Rack and pinion

Tiny
GRAMMY1750
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 45,000 MILES
We've had this car since Feb. 2007 and have had 6 rack & pinion systems installed to date. 3 genuine GM (including the one that came on it) and 3 after market provided. Is there a possibility that the installer, a GM dealership mechanic service could be doing something wrong with their installation? Do you have any other tips for a solution?
Sunday, October 17th, 2010 AT 5:07 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
I guess anything is possible. If the first rack came apart internally it could have contaminated the system with debris. Without proper flushing and maybe even a filter on the return line you could cause damage to another rack if installed. You may even have a pump that is failing internally causing the problems

What exactly is happening to these racks?

Read the guide below, it may help you figure this one out

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems
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Sunday, October 17th, 2010 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
MICHAELJTOMCHUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
2002 Gran Prix I R and R the rack. Now I can't run or route the hose from the pump to the rack. And I can't connect the intermidate shaft to the rack. All fittings are not lining up, they just keep spinning.I need diagrams.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I can't see much from here, exploded view below, hope it helps.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Thumb
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If you saying the threaded fittings don't match, maybe you got the wrong rack, or your trying to thread the supply into the return or vise-versa.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MICHAELJTOMCHUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Diagram didn't help, I was hoping for your experence, Again that hose has too many bends and angles. Thank-you I took the rack out and tried the fitting and it worked. Right rack right fitting.I think that the rack is too high making it impossible to properly line up the hose to the rack.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Sorry man, I'm 64, can't remember every vehicle I ever worked on. I guess I'd have to look at it. Did you try to hook up lines before you bolted the rack down? Where applicable, can you lower the cradle just a little?
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Take the lines loose at the other end, connect to rack end, first.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NDTOOTALL66
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I am going to replace the rack & pinion on my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 When I look up the part there is 2 styles one w/ magnasteer and one without How do I tell which one I have Also How hard is it to change and what is the best way to bleed the lines once I replace it


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/528206_l_e4df7019a15d48febe5c9cf073e1fe9d_1.jpg

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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Dealer can tell you which you have, either through VIN, or "service parts identification" label.

Crank engine (do not start) with return hose disconnected to bleed syetem.
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Maybe with a tubing bender, you can nudge it, just a little?
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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018 AT 5:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 72 POSTS
The rpo sticker is in the spare tire tub in trunk.
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Thank you for the information. I'm sure it will be helpful to others.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 9:27 PM

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