if it is non-power steering....first check the UJ joint at the bottom of the column as this is prone to siezing up making the steering fail to centralise properly (new uj can be bought cheaply)....if it is power steering check the same joint,but the joint and column are all one piece(expensive...dealer part only)...if the rack isnt leaking fluid its probably ok...if it is then u will have to drop the subframe to remove it...lock steering in centre position..remove pipes..drain fluid...remove track rod ends from hubs...remove main rack mounting bolts..loosen and remove column bolt at the rack...remove subframe bolts on drivers side..should be able to slide rack thru gap.....Wind new rack right or left fully then count how many turns to opposite lock...half this number then wind the rack the same number of turns so it is central...swap the track rod ends making sure to measure how much thread is exposed b4 the locknuts so u can get the tracking as close as possible by making these tha same on the new rack...fitting is reverse or removal ...when all attached back on the car,check "O" rings are in good condition on pipes...might be advisable to change em anyway...lightly grease them and reinsert pipes taking care not to crossthread them...depending what tools u have...this might be easier with the rack hanging from its track arms but in possition(real shoulder burner)...when all is back in place ,refill the system with fluid a bit at a time..turn the steering lock to lock slowly with the engine running until pump goes quiet...do not over fill...take the car to be tracked...drive 4 a while then check the fluid level again and check 4 leaks on the pipes...job done
d campbell, April 2006
