Steering Rack Re-Install Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 45
From: Castleton VA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Steering Rack Re-Install Question
First time steering rack R&R person here. Searched and didn't find a thread, and didn't see an answer in the GM repair manual.
I removed my steering rack from my '04 coupe and shipped it to Turn One to address the Exxon Valdez leaks. It came back with the tie rod ends removed, and the tie rods at uneven distances (likely due to getting bounced around during shipment).
I have reinstalled the rack (bolted to the cradle, nothing else done yet). I have moved the ends to approximately equal distances from rack flange to rod end on both sides.
Before I install the coupler to the intermediate steering shaft, a basic question: Am I doing it right?? i.e., is connecting the intermediate shaft coupler after centering the rods the right approach? Seems like it would be to get equal turn angle to both sides -- but better to ask a dumb question than assume something wrong.
The steering wheel was locked in place before starting the rack removal work, so it is still centered.
After the rack installation is complete, my plan is to measure to get toe roughly into the ballpark, then get the car to a Corvette specialist in northern Virginia for a proper alignment.
Thanks!
Mark
I removed my steering rack from my '04 coupe and shipped it to Turn One to address the Exxon Valdez leaks. It came back with the tie rod ends removed, and the tie rods at uneven distances (likely due to getting bounced around during shipment).
I have reinstalled the rack (bolted to the cradle, nothing else done yet). I have moved the ends to approximately equal distances from rack flange to rod end on both sides.
Before I install the coupler to the intermediate steering shaft, a basic question: Am I doing it right?? i.e., is connecting the intermediate shaft coupler after centering the rods the right approach? Seems like it would be to get equal turn angle to both sides -- but better to ask a dumb question than assume something wrong.
The steering wheel was locked in place before starting the rack removal work, so it is still centered.
After the rack installation is complete, my plan is to measure to get toe roughly into the ballpark, then get the car to a Corvette specialist in northern Virginia for a proper alignment.
Thanks!
Mark
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
the steering shaft will only bolt onto the rack one way so you can't really mess that up... just bolt it up and adjust the tie rods the best you can to get the wheels straight and have it aligned immediately afterwards... I wouldn't drive it too much until you get it aligned or you can screw your tires up real fast
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,226
Likes: 33
From: Morton illinois
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
the steering shaft will only bolt onto the rack one way so you can't really mess that up... just bolt it up and adjust the tie rods the best you can to get the wheels straight and have it aligned immediately afterwards... I wouldn't drive it too much until you get it aligned or you can screw your tires up real fast
