Is this a hard thing to replace. I can order one pretty cheap $200.00. I called a couple shops that want like 500 to 600 to replace this. Is there that much labor involved?

I changed mine in about 2 hours and that includes pulling the one off of my parts car. The hardest thing was the clamp bolt on the steering shaft. Be sure and measure your tierod end length to get your toe set close enough so that you can drive it to the alignment shop safely.

It becomes much easier to do if you remove the plastic spare tire well from the front compartment.
No way I'd pay $5-600 for the job, even if it included parts.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 07-05-2005).]

Thanks. I'll order one and give it a shot.

I replaced mine twice.. Once with and the other without the spare tire well removed. With it removed it is much much easier...

Just soak those bolts on the two clamps that hold the column to the front cross member.. Make sure once again you pb blaster these bolts for a day or so ahead of time cause if you break one off in the cross member youre screwed...

good luck...

pc...out

Thanks.

quote Originally posted by C-5: Is this a hard thing to replace. I can order one pretty cheap $200.00. I called a couple shops that want like 500 to 600 to replace this. Is there that much labor involved?

are you having trouble with the steering? other than age what is the benefit to swapping for a new rack and pinion?

Galen

The Rack and Pinion at auto zone cost me $119.00 with inner tie rods. They carry two types, 3 to 1 ratio and a 3.5 to 1 ratio. I snapped off 3 of the four mounting bolts that hold the rack. Got new bolts from home depot. Spray them down good with oil before trying to remove. The upper bolts are a pain in the a$$.

------------------

Bad shake in the steering wheel. Already replaced alot of stuff.The rack seems to be the next in line . Got to get ride of this . Its making me crazy.

Reman rack may not get rid of the shake or looseness... or it may just reduce it.
There are no aftermarket produces of the rack gear and pinion gear. Rebuilt assemblies just have new rack bushings and new pinion bearings, but not new gears. Once the gears wear, there's nothing that can be done to tighten the rack back up.

For the life of me, I don't see the advantage in removing the spare tire well. When I changed my rack, this is the procedure I used:

- Unbolt and press out tie rod ends.
- Unbolt Steering dampener.
- Unbolt Steering rack.
- Unbolt steering coupling from under the dash (maybe this is where we differ... I didn't ungolt the coupling under the wheelwell).

That's about it.

Good luck,

------------------
Roy

double-click on this link to follow my interior build-up https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/023174.html

Blue 87 GT w/ 4th generation Firebird interior.
Suncoast Fieros

Judged "Best Custom Interior" at the 20th Anniversary Show @ Pontiac, Mich - 7/2003
Judged "Best Custom Interior" at the 8th Annual Fiero Fun Weekend @ Daytona - 3/2004
Judged "Best Custom Interior" at the 9th Annual Fiero Fun Weekend @ Daytona - 3/2005

I guess it depends on if you like getting under the car or not. If you remove the spare tire well you can do the whole job from above. And also getting the flexible coupling pinch bolt off would be a lot harder from below.

Has anyone evern experienced the pinion shaft breaking off completely from the rack? I lost all steering control in my 88. Luckily I was in the driveway when it happened or I would have wrecked for sure. I have a spare 88 rack so this job won't cost me anything is the good news.

------------------

1988 GT (Firebird Interior),1988 Fastback (4.9 Chop-top #1 of 1), 1984 Indy...Firebird Interior Installation Website

quote Originally posted by mrfixit58: Unbolt steering coupling from under the dash (maybe this is where we differ... I didn't unbolt the coupling under the wheelwell).

Well after removing my rack I did find it to be a lot easier to unbolt the coupling under the dash versus the one under the wheel well. Still with the spare tire removed I was able to remove the rack without getting underneath the car.

Now all I need is to harvest another rack to put back on. If only I had the time and expertise to figure out the F-body power steering.

I also did mine with one from Autozone. It works great, took out every bit of slop. Make sure you center the rack (not left or right biassed) and have your streering centered before you put the new one in, else your streeing wheel may not be level when you're going strait.

Looks like I am next to do this one! Went to turn into a parking spot at work and "snap!" The steering wheel locked (left turn). I grabbed the wheel with both hands and it went back with a "pop", but now, while stopped the wheels turn little if at all when I turn the steering wheel!! If I am moving then I can steer the car but turns can get real exciting! Needless to say I took the baby back home.........again until I can get under it and see what the heck happened. Does this sound like internal to the rack??? ... or is the clamp loose???

Thanks! -Phil

------------------
Phil D. '88 Formula, AZ

Sounds like an internal failure. You can verify easily enough by inspecting the coupling (is the pinch bolt in place?) or jack up the front and wiggle the wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock. There should be very little movement when the steering wheel is locked.

Thanks! I will try to check it tonite. I turned the wheel with the tires on the ground, while looking under the dash. It looks like the shaft is turning fine but in an oblong fashion as though it is loose under the car. I need to move it to be able to get the jack at it so I will do that tonite........

Take Care, Phil

------------------
Phil D. '88 Formula, AZ

Hi All!

Hey Fieroj! My Autozone quoted $240 for the rack! Double what you gave??? WoW! Anyway, I checked the car and when I pulled the boot on the column up tons of rust fell out! And the shaft coming out of the rack is way loose! Anyone have a used one for a buddy at a good price?????

Thanks, Phil
duffys_hotrods@msn.com

------------------
Phil D. '88 Formula, AZ

quote Originally posted by pduff1: Hi All! Hey Fieroj! My Autozone quoted $240 for the rack! Double what you gave??? WoW! Anyway, I checked the car and when I pulled the boot on the column up tons of rust fell out! And the shaft coming out of the rack is way loose! Anyone have a used one for a buddy at a good price????? Thanks, Phil duffys_hotrods@msn.com

The local Autozone wants $115 for the rack and pinion unit, plus a $43 core charge (part # 6813), for the sport ratio unit. Same price for the standard ratio rack (part # 6814).

------------------

1984 Fiero SE