My 2007 Element steering rack&pinion AND power steering pump are both way beyond shot. I've searched the forums and also Youtube and can find nothing that provides instructions or videos for DIY Rack and Pinion replacement for an Element. I'd appreciate any suggestions or links for doing the work myself. Thanks.
AZelementman
Joined
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1,269 Posts
Suggestions? Do it yourself. It's not that bad. If your rack and pump are bad, get the lines too. Do it all at once and you won't have to touch it again for a long time.
With the car on jacks and the wheels off you can remove the rack through the wheel well. There are four lines and a dozen, or so, bolts to remove and it's out. The pump is the belt and two bolts. You'll remove the tie rods from the knuckle and unscrew them from the rack so, unless you replace the tie rod ends, you might not even need an alignment after. Biggest problem is lining up the new one with your column. If you make marks, center and secure your column, it will make it easier. If you don't get it lined up on the first try, you can drop the column to re-align.
Or, plan a road trip to north Florida and we can do it all here. I'm not kidding.
With the car on jacks and the wheels off you can remove the rack through the wheel well. There are four lines and a dozen, or so, bolts to remove and it's out. The pump is the belt and two bolts. You'll remove the tie rods from the knuckle and unscrew them from the rack so, unless you replace the tie rod ends, you might not even need an alignment after. Biggest problem is lining up the new one with your column. If you make marks, center and secure your column, it will make it easier. If you don't get it lined up on the first try, you can drop the column to re-align.
Or, plan a road trip to north Florida and we can do it all here. I'm not kidding.
Joined
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1,269 Posts
Do not go cheap on the rack. I repeat, DO NOT go cheap on the rack. I have personal experience with a poorly rebuilt rack. You will regret it.
I want you to imagine you are at speed, approaching a turn, you lean your body in preparation, plant your hand on top of the wheel and give it a little shove... but it won't budge. Now... about that turn you were imagining. What was dead ahead? Cause you just hit it head on. DO NOT go cheap on the rack.
And yes, get a manual if you're gonna do this yourself. I assumed you had one if you were gonna take on a job like this. If you do not do it right, you're better off buying power steering fluid until it can be done right.
I want you to imagine you are at speed, approaching a turn, you lean your body in preparation, plant your hand on top of the wheel and give it a little shove... but it won't budge. Now... about that turn you were imagining. What was dead ahead? Cause you just hit it head on. DO NOT go cheap on the rack.
And yes, get a manual if you're gonna do this yourself. I assumed you had one if you were gonna take on a job like this. If you do not do it right, you're better off buying power steering fluid until it can be done right.
Joined
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1,269 Posts
It's sad to say but... almost everything not OEM. Shareholders are putting so much pressure on corporations to maximize profits so most auto parts stores are selling the cheapest parts possible. Most recently with Advance Auto Parts. TPH is about the last auto part retailer that still sells quality parts. Avoid Oriely, Auto Zone and Advance. Their business model is money first, screw everything else.
If you have a local shop that specializes in rebuilding racks, I'd be ok with that. They should have the tooling and expertise to do it right. If not, I'd get a re-manned one from Honda or TPH.
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