Rack and pinion swaps
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
Rack and pinion swaps
My 89 convertible has the R&P with the NS dust cover. I have found it is the 2.0 turns lock to lock. Is there any downside to putting in a FH which is 2.25 turns? Seems like the NS wasn't common. My 89 is a base model, no performance suspension or anything.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
Most people pay money to try and get the fast steering...Most people don't switch to the slower steering.
If its in good condition, you could probably exchange it for someone's 2.25 with a little bit of money on their end. Otherwise send it to TurnOne for a rebuild and know that you have something other people want lol
If its in good condition, you could probably exchange it for someone's 2.25 with a little bit of money on their end. Otherwise send it to TurnOne for a rebuild and know that you have something other people want lol
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
Is yours leaking?
It does matter what rack you get. Apparently there were 3 different lengths of rack shafts used during production. Safest bet is to just have yours rebuilt, but doesn't sound like you can wait.
It does matter what rack you get. Apparently there were 3 different lengths of rack shafts used during production. Safest bet is to just have yours rebuilt, but doesn't sound like you can wait.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
Yes, mine is leaking bad. I took it out, replaced the seals and put it back in. Its worse than before. Now its back out. From what I found it looks like my car was one of the last to have the quick ratio. Half way through 89 gm phased out the quick ratios. I don't think you could even get it with the performance suspension in the 90s c4s. I found a NN rack for a 92, so hopefully it fits.
In researching the quick ratios the consensus was they only came on the z51 or other performance suspension options. My 89 vert does not have any performance suspension options.
In researching the quick ratios the consensus was they only came on the z51 or other performance suspension options. My 89 vert does not have any performance suspension options.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 750
Likes: 86
From: St Petersburg
R&p
Yes, mine is leaking bad. I took it out, replaced the seals and put it back in. Its worse than before. Now its back out. From what I found it looks like my car was one of the last to have the quick ratio. Half way through 89 gm phased out the quick ratios. I don't think you could even get it with the performance suspension in the 90s c4s. I found a NN rack for a 92, so hopefully it fits.
In researching the quick ratios the consensus was they only came on the z51 or other performance suspension options. My 89 vert does not have any performance suspension options.
In researching the quick ratios the consensus was they only came on the z51 or other performance suspension options. My 89 vert does not have any performance suspension options.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 506
Likes: 12
From: Savannah GA
It's not the easiest thing to replace rack seals if you've never done it. I had to make the second attempt. Get the Edelman kit from RockAuto. It's the same as the more expensive ones just relabled. I got used tools off ebay. If I remember the tube seal was the biggest pain. I ended up using a piece of conduit for a driver.
The cars are at a point any used or rebuilt part you get is a crap shoot. I've seen plenty rebuilt they didn't replace the tierods.
No fun R&R the thing...
JS
The cars are at a point any used or rebuilt part you get is a crap shoot. I've seen plenty rebuilt they didn't replace the tierods.
No fun R&R the thing...
JS
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Forgive me for potentially hijacking the thread---but would the quicker ratio rack be a direct swap for the production rack in a 91 ZR-1? I have been doing research on this but can't quite seem to find out for sure. It seems like it, but I'd like someone to confirm who has actually done it!
Related to the thread---if this thing is a drop-in, I'd be happy to take your leaky rack off your hands once you have a new one sorted
Related to the thread---if this thing is a drop-in, I'd be happy to take your leaky rack off your hands once you have a new one sorted
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
I ruined the first set of seals by not grinding the rough edges off the shaft. I ruined the second by not being careful with the teeth. I have searched for tips on how to install it, but couldn't find any information. I got a slow rack coming from another member. I may take one more swing at my quick rack.
The 91 zr1 should swap with 89-96, but I am no expert. It seems the earlier years had smaller inner tie rods.
The 91 zr1 should swap with 89-96, but I am no expert. It seems the earlier years had smaller inner tie rods.
Last edited by topfuel67; Aug 24, 2018 at 11:49 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 21,751
Likes: 166
From: PA
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08
I need to rebuild the rack and pinion in my '87 standard suspension. Is TurnOne the preferred builder or are there other sources that you would recommend? I am in no hurry for the part so lead time doesn't bother me.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 339
From: Simi Valley CA
A lot of members on here swear by Turn One. From the company info the guy that started Turn one was working at the Saginaw factory just down the street from where he opened turn one. I don't have any personal experience with them, though.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,754
Likes: 1,642
From: Fairfax Virginia
Turn One is well known for their quality work. Their name is a good one and If I needed a rack rebuilt for one of my Corvettes, that is where it would go. They have helped me with my power Steering system on my C3, very, very knowledgeable folks regarding GM steering systems.
I recently replaced the rack in my Buick (to cheap to rebuild) and my mechanic told me that 99% of the racks he works on are damaged by HEAT. It seems that too many cars use so little fluid in their power steering systems that the temperatures get very high. The guy suggested that I install a Power Steering Cooler on my Buick Mini Van, I laughed but he was serious. He said if I put a decent cooler on my car that I would never rebuild the rack due to leaks. If you have the space find a place to install a nice power steering fluid cooler or even add a reservoir to lower the operating temperatures of the fluid.
Good luck as Turn One Steering will take good care of your Corvette parts and they will be like "new" when you get them back!
I recently replaced the rack in my Buick (to cheap to rebuild) and my mechanic told me that 99% of the racks he works on are damaged by HEAT. It seems that too many cars use so little fluid in their power steering systems that the temperatures get very high. The guy suggested that I install a Power Steering Cooler on my Buick Mini Van, I laughed but he was serious. He said if I put a decent cooler on my car that I would never rebuild the rack due to leaks. If you have the space find a place to install a nice power steering fluid cooler or even add a reservoir to lower the operating temperatures of the fluid.
Good luck as Turn One Steering will take good care of your Corvette parts and they will be like "new" when you get them back!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 19,691
Likes: 322
From: Alexandria VA
Turn 1 has by far the best racks that you won’t have to worry about. I’ve done numerous racks from Zip; they’re a good economical solution but I have hit some hiccups. (They have them rebuilt by a 3rd party that’s out in TX)
On my last one I purchased from them, the rack was sent to me, it appears it was simply pressure tested, tested good, rattle canned, then sent out. When I rec’d it, one of the boots had a rip on it, and there was dirt on BOTH of the boots that was clearly painted over. Zipp took care of me for a replacement, but just something to consider. I’ve done the rack on my car more times than I can count (usually rebuild the front end once a year) but if you’re trying to do it once and KNOW you have a solid unit that will last a LOOOOONG time, turn one is the way to go.