Anyone have a site or will share info on replacing the steering rack on a '02 Z06?

Mine started leaking at the last race and I have a rebuilt one ready to go in, but need some advice on the easiest way to take to old one out and replace with new one.

Thanks in advance.

 

just my opinion, but I've pulled mine twice and it was the worst job I've done. You have to disconnect it and just wiggle it out..

 

It's not real hard it's just messy!

1st Set it up on JACK STANDS

Now you will have remove:

First put a pan underneath the Vette and remove the Power Sterring lines to it and let them drain (The messy part), remove the cooler if yours is so equipped!

Remove the Tires

Pop the "ENDLINKS" out, by loosensing the nuts up to the top and takin a hammer give it a small smack and that'll pop them out,

Then remove the nuts and let the endlinks hang (Do both sides)

There are two bolts and nuts holding the unit on remove those and taking a small tire iron slightly pry up from the frame and the rack unit and it should move upwards

Now slide the rack out and remove any parts you are re-using and install the new, being sure to torque all parts to factory specs!

Re-fill all fluids and get an allignment!

I think I got it all, it pretty staight forward job

Thanks,Matt

 

a second pair of hands really helps too. Breaking the endlinks can be a pita too. If the car has any type of significant mileage I would change the ps pump too.

I think I took the rack out the passenger side then dipped the other end and took it out under the front driver side to remove the rack. Be sure to reinstall each o ring in the new rack if they are missing. I got a rebuilt PS pump for about $110. That way you know the system has all fresh new uncontaminated ps fluid.

 

http://www.magnacharger.com/pdf/manu...ntercooled.pdf

Follow steps 6-17.

 

no need for alignment....you guys go crazy about alignment here...i also did mine by leaving the end links on the sway bar

 

How do you go about seting the toe without an alignment?

 

At the start first take measurements - car sitting on the tires.

If you carefully measure tie-rod to tie-rod AND tie-rod to a fixed spot on the RACK housing (each side), with the steering wheel dead center, you can get it extremely close to where it was at the start. (Measure down to the 32nd of an inch or closer)

I would still take it to an alignment shop just to set the toe if nothing else.

 

Cart before the horse mentality.....forget the alignment question until "after" you get the steering rack out.

Notice that someone gave you a Magnas site.....if you go to page 4 and follow the instructions you will be able to remove the steering rack without to much problem.....this is similar to the way KB does it also...b ut their manual isnt online.

 

It's a race car and I've got toe plates so I'm no worried about alignment. I can align it pretty quickly.

 

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it.

 

This thread reminded me of the "little" problem I had taking mine off. My only advice is don't get too happy with a pry bar. Take your time (it will likely take patience) getting the passenger side out. Here's what happened to me ... only sharing in the hopes that you can avoid the same problem. Good luck

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1615520

 

I have removed a few and found it quite easy. I also bought some rubber caps for the hoses so they don't leak all over the place. Just get an assortment and push them on as you remove the metal hoses from the steering box. Its really a straight forward job. You may want to pick up a new set of o-rings for the hoses that go into the steering gear, they're cheap insurance.

 

From the Shop Manual:

Document ID# 642689
2002 Chevrolet Corvette


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Power Steering Gear Replacement
Removal Procedure




Remove the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) bracket. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) Bracket Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer .
Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt from the power steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
Remove the stabilizer shaft from the crossmember. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
Remove the power steering pressure hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Hose Replacement .
Remove the power steering return hose from the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement .
Remove the electrical connectors from the crossmember.
Remove the brake pipes from the crossmember.
Remove the power steering gear mounting bolts (3) and nuts (2).
Using hand tools only, LOOSEN, Do Not Remove, the four crossmember mounting nuts 10 mm (0.394 inch).
Remove the power steering gear (1) from the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.
Installation Procedure




Install the power steering gear (1) into the vehicle through the left wheelhouse opening.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the power steering gear mounting bolts (3) and nuts (2). Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).

Install the crossmember mounting nuts. Tighten
Tighten the nuts, using hand tools only, to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

Install the brake pipes to the crossmember.
Install the electrical connectors to the crossmember.
Install the power steering pressure hose to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Pressure Hose Replacement .
Install the power steering return hose to the power steering gear. Refer to Power Steering Return Hose Replacement .
Install the stabilizer shaft to the crossmember. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement in Front Suspension.
Install the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt to the power steering gear. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.
Install the tie rod ends to the steering knuckles. Refer to Tie Rod End Replacement - Outer .
Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Install the Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) bracket. Refer to Brake Pressure Modulator Valve (BPMV) Bracket Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
Bleed the power steering system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System .
Adjust the front wheel toe. Refer to Front Toe Adjustment in Wheel Alignment.