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Rack/Pinion Replacement 1990 Lumina


3pt1lumina

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90 base Lumina, 3.1L. Shop diagnosed this morning as a bad rack/pinion when I lost my power steering when I took it out of storage. Yet another set back for getting this car painted.

 

Anyways, I was quoted stupid money. I know it's a big job, who has done this? What is shop time on this? What rack/pinions can I use on my car? Will one from an LQ1 work, or do I need to stick to a base 3.1 Lumina/Cutlass, etc.? Special tools to use?

 

I guess I'm trying to figure out what my approach is going to be on this. Searching didn't show up anything on actual replacement, a write up if you will. If I can't get this done reasonably or do it myself, I think it's going back to storage and coming off the road this year...:(

 

Any insight is greatly appreciated. Going to get it from the shop now and get buff while driving it home.

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Get a 2.25 rack and pinion. They came in TGPs from the factory. You can swap them into any first gen. I have a TGP rack in my CSC and it feels a lot nicer than the factory rack that was in the car.

 

Also new power steering lines. It would be a good time to replace those. I don't think you get the return line new anymore. I used regular low pressure line for mine.

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I replaced my 97 Lumina's rack and pinion at a for cash place for 500, but I had someone recommend them to me. Yours might cost more depending on where you do it.

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There is no difference between FE1 and FE3 subframes or tie rods, so it doesn't matter what rack you use.

 

I have done this job in a parking lot. The return line is available in the aftermarket but it is very difficult to install with the powertrain in the car because the return line is also a cooler and has like six 90* bends and goes all over the subframe. Use bulk hose rated for power steering or transmission lines. Install a plate cooler if you're concerned.

 

 

Remove the air box.

Seperate the steering shaft after loosening the pinch bolt. A pain.

Put a jack under the rear of the subframe.

Remove the rear subframe bolts and loosen the front ones.

Lower the jack a couple inches.

Seperate the outer tie rods from the knuckle.

Cut the old power steering lines.

Remove the two rack bolts to the subframe.

Slide the rack out from behind the wheels.

 

 

 

Reverse to install.

The steering shaft is very frustrating. It will only fit on one way but it is hard to get to.

You may need the inner tie rod tool if you don't have a wrench big enough for the inner tie rods.

Edited by 93CutlassSupreme
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