Rack & Pinion Need to be Replaced?- Things to do to check if your
Rack & Pinion is bad:
- Check the power
steering fluid. Is it black? When you shine a light into it, check for little metal flakes
(these may appear gray). If the fluid is black or gray, then you need a new rack.
- Does your rack get
stiff at different positions?
- Is there fluid leaking
from the rack (Make sure it is coming from the rack and not the line)?
Steering Shaft
Need to be Replaced?- If your fluid is clean and your pump does not make a staining noise, your
steering shaft U-joint may need to be replaced. Remove the rack, and swivel the coupling
in four directions. If it does not move, then that is your problem. That joint is usually
a dealer item only.
Things to do
BEFORE you Replace Your Rack & Pinion- Before replacing your rack &
pinion with a new one, you must first thoroughly flush your steering system. Doing this
procedure will make your installation a success rather than an unexplained failure. Your
new rack should come with instructions for proper flushing.
