steering rack rebuild?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 53
From: VERNON CT
steering rack rebuild?
is the steering rack rebuildable? are the parts offered to the public? both sides of mine seem to be leaking pretty bad, wondering if i need to order a new one and send my core or if its something i could do
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 511
Likes: 64
From: Vancouver BC
After researching this heavily, i would say yes - most probably by a remanufacturer. My concern was not seals but quality of interface between rack and pinion gear. All options seemed not to readily address this.
Various options available. I was even willing to try an early gen c6 unit. I archived these 2 options (didnt buy as i got a new car....)
Napa - 361232 - http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Power-Steering-Rack-Pinion-Complete-Remfd/_/R-PNB361232_0333882179
Steering rack
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-rack-and-pinion-remanufactured-1998late-2004.html
Various options available. I was even willing to try an early gen c6 unit. I archived these 2 options (didnt buy as i got a new car....)
Napa - 361232 - http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Power-Steering-Rack-Pinion-Complete-Remfd/_/R-PNB361232_0333882179
Steering rack
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-rack-and-pinion-remanufactured-1998late-2004.html
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
I recently replaced mine with a remanufactured unit. Here's the cheapest one I found. It seems to be good quality... (there is a core exchange)
http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/...emanufactured/
http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/...emanufactured/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 332
From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
www.vettenuts.net they are out of TN. Good luck
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 53
From: VERNON CT
thanks guys, ill most likely just go down to my local napa or advanced and see what they go for. i have a parts hook up thru them so we shall see.
its to bad that the seals etc are not available, I'm sure its a pretty easy job. i was hoping to not have to pull the rack out and just change the leaking seals... oh well.
its to bad that the seals etc are not available, I'm sure its a pretty easy job. i was hoping to not have to pull the rack out and just change the leaking seals... oh well.
Last edited by StealthFRC; Nov 17, 2015 at 01:08 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I don't know a source for parts but Zip Corvettes will sell you an exchange rack for $220. It was the cheapest deal, and still could be. I haven't read of anyone having problems with their rebuilds. Mine is working fine.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Denver co
steering rack is one of the weakness of the C5. My car is at 19,000 miles and I am at my 4th. Unfortunately GM does not sell them anymore so my last one is ZIP corvette
However it will be interesting to see if "turnone" can make a customized stronger steering
However it will be interesting to see if "turnone" can make a customized stronger steering
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
There's something wrong if you're installing a rack every 6-8k miles....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 53
From: VERNON CT
i ended up going with the one from zip corvette. I've installed it but its winter now so won't have any road time for a couple months.
i tried getting one from auto zone, advanced auto parts, and napa... none of them are available anymore.
i tried getting one from auto zone, advanced auto parts, and napa... none of them are available anymore.
Last edited by StealthFRC; Dec 28, 2015 at 01:21 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Does Zip do them in house? I believe that they do some of their re-manufactured parts in house but not sure on this one. I personally would trust a rack from Zip as opposed to the box stores link Autozone or Advanced.
Last edited by vettenuts; Dec 29, 2015 at 07:48 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 53
From: VERNON CT
all they do is replace wear items, its not like they actually make the steering racks. they are all original cores that get seals etc replaced so i wouldn't have an issue purchasing from advanced etc, plus they are local so if there is an issue its much easier to deal with them, but it doesn't matter since they no longer can get them.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
all they do is replace wear items, its not like they actually make the steering racks. they are all original cores that get seals etc replaced so i wouldn't have an issue purchasing from advanced etc, plus they are local so if there is an issue its much easier to deal with them, but it doesn't matter since they no longer can get them.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I e-mailed Zip about the rack rebuild, response is below:
Thank you for taking the time to write Zip Products. These racks are not rebuilt here in house, so I can only say that our rebuilder is using the OEM machines and tools which were used in the original production of the racks. They are also tested on the same equipment used at the OEM. However there is not a way to replace or repair a rack with a bad column sensor magnet.
If you are road racing, the TurnOne units are going to be a better option. The standard OEM racks are not really heavy duty enough to withstand the continuous loading of real down force and the grip that slicks provide. Certainly people do use the OEM racks, however they just won't last as long. As usual, your mileage may vary. Our warranty does not cover cars used on track.
Thank you for taking the time to write Zip Products. These racks are not rebuilt here in house, so I can only say that our rebuilder is using the OEM machines and tools which were used in the original production of the racks. They are also tested on the same equipment used at the OEM. However there is not a way to replace or repair a rack with a bad column sensor magnet.
If you are road racing, the TurnOne units are going to be a better option. The standard OEM racks are not really heavy duty enough to withstand the continuous loading of real down force and the grip that slicks provide. Certainly people do use the OEM racks, however they just won't last as long. As usual, your mileage may vary. Our warranty does not cover cars used on track.
