Ladies & gentlemen, I replaced my steering rack & outer TREs yesterday (1998 LC). Before starting I researched and compiled all the knowledge I could find into a step-by-step checklist. I referenced this list and added corrections, updates, and helpful tips throughout the process. For example: don’t shear off the oil sender wire

; leave the razor-sharp hose bracket off until the end; center steering wheel while rack is still loose, etc. I’d like to share this step-by-step procedure in hopes of helping others successfully tackle this daunting yet do-able repair with confidence. PS: It took me 6-1/2 hours...
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For my 1998 LC I purchased the following parts:
1x 44250-60050, Steering Gear (the rack)
1x 45046-69195, Outer Tie Rod End (RH)
1x 45047-69100, Outer Tie Rod End (LH)
2x 90105-14121, Bolt, Washer Based (rack mounting, single-use part)
2x 90101-14021, Steering Arm Bolt (rack mounting, single-use part)
2x 90178-14003, Nut, Flange (rack mounting, single-use part)
2x 90560-15018, Spacer (rack mounting, single-use part)
2x 90170-20003, Nut, Hexagon (TRE jam nuts)
1x 44327-30030, Pressure Hose Gasket (single-use part)
1x
45517-60010, Large Rubber Bushing (upgrade to poly if desired)
1x Sunsong 3402991 Return Hose (just in case old one is stubborn)
We all know physically removing the rack is difficult, so I won’t dwell on that step. For me the most frustrating parts were 1) separating the TREs from the steering knuckles (rotor shield is in the way), and 2) centering the steering wheel & shaft. I believe I found easy solutions for both, outlined in the instructions.
Enjoy, and please let me know of any corrections.
Step-by-step procedure:
¨ Open hood
¨ Remove PS reservoir cap
¨ Remove steering shaft coupling screw at rack. Steering wheel may need to be turned for access (12mm on long extensions)
¨ Jiggle steering wheel to loosen steering shaft and rack input shaft coupling
¨ Straighten & tie off steering wheel
¨ Break free lug nuts (22mm)
¨ Raise vehicle onto jack stands
¨ Remove wheels
¨ Remove skid plates (12mm)
¨ Disconnect DS engine mount. (14mm top & bottom. Note: Front nut is welded to frame)
¨ Jack up engine ~2" at rear bell housing, insert spacer block, lower engine
¨ Remove oil filter, catch fluid
¨ Disconnect oil pressure sender wire, tuck aside.
¨ Take pics/measurements/count TRE threads showing
¨ Back off TRE jam nuts (25 & 27mm)
Easy TRE separation procedure:
¨ Remove TRE cotter pins & nuts at steering knuckles (19mm)
¨ Remove front knuckle mounting screws from each side (17mm)
¨ Loosen rear knuckle mounting screws on each side (17mm). Rotate knuckles as far upwards as ABS sensor wires will allow.
¨ Snug down rear knuckle screws enough to prevent further rotation of knuckle.
¨ Separate TREs from knuckles using ball joint puller
¨ Loosen rear knuckle screws, rotate knuckles downward and re-insert front knuckle screws.
¨ Tighten all four knuckle screws (17mm, 108 ft·lb)
¨ Gently remove plastic clip from PS & tranny cooler lines
¨ Remove top clamp from hose bracket (10mm)
¨ Remove hose bracket from rack (12mm)
¨ Disconnect front (HP) line from rack, hang down & catch fluid (17mm)
¨ Remove two mounting bolts thru small bushings (19mm top & bottom)
¨ Remove two bolts from large bushing bracket (19mm, use flex head & deep socket on rear bolt)
¨ Disconnect rear (return) line, hang down & catch fluid (17mm). Cut it off if stubborn & you have replacement.
¨ Move lines forward & tie up to frame cross member under radiator. Wrap shop towel around ends to keep tasty ATF from dripping on your face.
¨ Adjust rack so DS is short as possible
¨ Remove old rack
¨ Wipe down & clean rack mounting surface on frame
¨ Adjust new rack so DS is short as possible
¨ Insert new rack. Position so bushing holes align with frame holes.
¨ Lube & install large bushing & bracket
¨ Install two mounting bolts on large bushing bracket (19mm, 89 ft·lb)
Steering wheel centering procedure:
¨ Center rack ends with tape measure (~10-7/16 from inner boot edge each side)
¨ Verify steering wheel straight
¨ Lube rack input shaft splines
¨ Reaching down inside engine compartment, slide steering shaft coupling onto rack input shaft. Rack pivots on large bushing and can be moved fore & aft to allow shaft mating.
¨ Clean your hands. Turn steering wheel fully to the left, then fully to the right. Steering wheel should have same amount of rotation in both directions. If not: reach down inside engine compartment with both hands. Grab rack input housing with left hand and steering shaft coupling with right hand. Gently move rack forward until shafts separate, then carefully rotate the steering shaft in the correct direction one or two splines. Move the rack rearward with your left hand to re-mate the shafts. Re-check rotation at steering wheel and repeat process until rotation is same in both directions. Take your time, you'll get it right.
¨ Install two rack mounting bolts w/new top spacers & nuts (19mm, 89 ft·lb)
¨ Connect rear (return) line (17mm, 32 ft·lb)
¨ Connect front (HP) line w/new gasket (17mm, 31 ft·lb)
¨ Install hose bracket to rack (12mm, 13 ft·lb)
¨ Install top clamp on hose bracket (10mm)
¨ Gently install plastic clip on PS & tranny cooler lines
¨ Thread on new TRE jam nuts
¨ Thread on new TREs, match showing threads pics/measurements/count. Be sure to get LH/RH correct, they're not marked. The bends go rearward to clear the wheels when turned.
¨ Install TREs to knuckles (19mm, 53 ft·lb)
¨ Install cotter pins on TRE knuckle nuts
¨ Tighten TRE jam nuts (25 & 27mm, 41 ft·lb)
¨ Install oil filter (hand tight + additional 3/4 turn)
¨ Reconnect oil pressure sender wire.
¨ Remove, clean, & reinstall PS reservoir. Note: Brake cleaner not so good for plastics. Use a water-based, non-foaming engine degreaser that's says "safe for plastics." Blow out crap with compressed air if you can.
¨ Install steering shaft coupling screw from above engine compartment. Steering wheel may need to be turned for access (12mm on long extensions, 25 ft·lb)
¨ Jack up engine, remove spacer block, lower engine
¨ Install engine mount bolts & nut (14mm, 22 ft·lb)
¨ Add ~1 qt. ATF (Dexron type) to PS reservoir
¨ Add oil as required
¨ Start vehicle, check for leaks. PS pump will groan until system is purged.
¨ Install skid plates (12mm)
¨ Mount wheels, hand tighten lug nuts
¨ Lower vehicle from jack stands
¨ Torque lug nuts (22mm, 100 ft·lb)
¨ Test drive
¨ Get alignment
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