Rebuilding Steering Rack - Looking for Pointers
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 201
From: Montgomery City, MO
Rebuilding Steering Rack - Looking for Pointers
I'm not seeing any readily available rebuilt / remanned racks for these cars, but see seal kits on eBay. I've rebuilt engines, automatic transmissions and hydraulic cylinders. Wondering if anyone here has taken that leap and if there are any specialty tools required to do this job, pointers, etc.
At 141k miles, Missouri's pathetically bad highway system has taken it's toll on the suspension and I'm noticing popping noises from the front at hard steering angles while parking, severe tendency to hydroplane (or the sensation of hydroplaning), and worsening bump steer on dry surfaces. It's time to replace all the wear parts in the front suspension, and the inner tie bars are most easily replaced by removing the rack. Since the left bellows is wet from the bottom and not from the top I suspect the seals are getting worn and since I'm going to be there to replace the inner tie bars, the economic rule of "might as well" is invoked.
I spent the morning looking at it and though I'm not feeling any one component that has obvious severe play, I suspect upper ball joints, control arm bushings and inner and outer tie rod ends are combining to a sum that makes the steering feel awfully sloppy. The upper control arms both move back and forth a bit, and I feel what I think might be a slight bit of movement of the upper right ball joint. So I'm thinking it's time to do everything - upper and lower control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings (while I have the knuckles loose) and obviously tie rod ends. Probably new ceramic brake pads while I'm lighting Benjamins on fire by the dozen...
Any pointers greatly appreciated.
At 141k miles, Missouri's pathetically bad highway system has taken it's toll on the suspension and I'm noticing popping noises from the front at hard steering angles while parking, severe tendency to hydroplane (or the sensation of hydroplaning), and worsening bump steer on dry surfaces. It's time to replace all the wear parts in the front suspension, and the inner tie bars are most easily replaced by removing the rack. Since the left bellows is wet from the bottom and not from the top I suspect the seals are getting worn and since I'm going to be there to replace the inner tie bars, the economic rule of "might as well" is invoked.
I spent the morning looking at it and though I'm not feeling any one component that has obvious severe play, I suspect upper ball joints, control arm bushings and inner and outer tie rod ends are combining to a sum that makes the steering feel awfully sloppy. The upper control arms both move back and forth a bit, and I feel what I think might be a slight bit of movement of the upper right ball joint. So I'm thinking it's time to do everything - upper and lower control arms, ball joints, wheel bearings (while I have the knuckles loose) and obviously tie rod ends. Probably new ceramic brake pads while I'm lighting Benjamins on fire by the dozen...
Any pointers greatly appreciated.
Last edited by spfautsch; Apr 15, 2023 at 06:42 PM.
Uneducated autodidact
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 252
From: West of the Sabine, Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,663
Likes: 1,389
From: Orange County, CA
Don't worry, I figured it out so you won't have to: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-rebuild.html
It's been almost a year now, and still driving on it.
It's been almost a year now, and still driving on it.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 201
From: Montgomery City, MO
Don't worry, I figured it out so you won't have to: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-rebuild.html
It's been almost a year now, and still driving on it.
It's been almost a year now, and still driving on it.
Let me know if there's some way I can buy you a beer or two/four to show my appreciation!
