hey guys. my rack n pinion started leaking from the right boot :/. i did not have time to call the dealer and ask. but do you guys know how much it would cost to replace the rack n pinion? i could get one online for about $200 but they are re manufactured. how reliable are the remans? thanks could i just change the plugs on the ends of the rack ? if so where could i find these plugs, clamps and what not

 

Are you talking about the steering box it self? You can pull it and rebuild it yourself. I've seen the kits on Auto Zone for like $23.99 which includes the bearing and all seals. I was thinking about doing it myself but I am most likely going to a bone yard to pull one that I have my eye on for $25 bucks then rebuild it and install (swap). The main part in them that are leading to ware is the worm gear. WHile you have it out call the dealer and price a new one. I have yet to do this. But in reallity the rebuilds are like you said $200 bucks and they are taking the cores and rebuilding them so you are not sure what you getting? I would say find a good on in a bone yard and rebuild like me or pull yours and rebuild it.


Also, what plugs on the end of the rack? Pictures say a thousand words.

 

BTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you pull a bone yard you have to make sure that it is the same type fluid as yours. I think in 98-99 years they used Brown Fluid and in 00-03 they used Red fluid. Red is basiclly ATF+4 but Brown there is no replacement but dealer item only. Brown is $8 a quart just so you know!

 

i called this morning for a re manufactured rack n pinion they want $400 not including labor. well its leaking from the boot on one side where the tie rod connects from the wheel to the rack n pinion assembly? i dont really want to replace the whole thing since the gears and everything work like they are supposed. i just have the darn leak from the boot. are there seals that can be replaced? i asked the guy at the dealer if it was possible to just fix the leak and not replace the whole thing. the dude said well its a one piece thing??? i think he is trying to rip me off.

 

its leaking from the left boot look at this pic. but the seals seem to be inside of the thing. how would i get to those if thats whats leaking.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/2003/bf20340.htm

 

Can't help ya there as I have never worked on those. I've done steering boxes and PS pumps but these are two different animals. What I was quoting is for regular boxes.


Anyone know when they switched over? 2001-2003?

 

i would guess 2000, as i think they made a couple of changes then, including the 4.7 but im not nearly 100% on that

 

it was 2000 thats why the lift kits start at 5.5 inch up to 99 then 3 inch in 2000 and up steering box to rack n pinion

 

Just replace the unit and save yourself a headache.

 

hah thats what i think im going to do. thanks