How to Change the Rack & Pinion on a Chevrolet Cavalier
by Jeffrey Caldwell
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a rear steer vehicle, meaning the steering gear and tie rods are located behind the steering knuckles. The rack and pinion unit is bolted to the firewall behind the engine. If you begin to notice a distinct grinding or screeching noise whenever you try and turn the steering wheel of your vehicle, it may be a sign that your rack and pinion unit needs replaced.
Removal
Step 1
Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal.
Step 2
Remove the sound insulating panel. It is located below the dash on the driver's side of the firewall.
Step 3
Locate the upper pinch bolt on the steering column underneath the dash. Remove the bolt from the flexible coupling.
Step 4
Disconnect the pressure line from the steering gear.
Step 5
Remove the pressure line mounting bracket and secure the line out of the way.
Step 6
Raise the vehicle according to instructions listed in the owner's manual and support with jack stands.
Step 7
Remove the front wheels and tires.
Step 8
Separate the tie rods from the struts, by removing the cotter pins and castle nuts.
Step 9
Remove the left and right side mounting clamps that secure the rack and pinion to the firewall, by removing the four mounting nuts.
Step 10
Pull the steering rack forward slightly.
Step 11
Locate the lower pinch bolt on the steering rack's flexible coupling and remove it.
Step 12
Separate the dash seal from the steering rack assembly.
Remove the rack and pinion through the access hole in the left inner fender well.
Installation
Step 1
Reinstall the mounting studs that connect the steering rack clamps to the firewall if they were removed during disassembly.
Step 2
Slide the new rack and pinion assembly through the access hole on the left inner fender.
Step 3
Reconnect the rack and pinion unit to the stub shaft on the bottom of the steering column. Reconnect the dash seal and have an assistant working inside the vehicle guide the input fitting on the steering rack onto the stub shaft.
Step 4
Reinstall the lower pinch bolt onto the flexible coupling.
Step 5
Push the steering rack into position against the firewall.
Step 6
Reinstall the two clamps that secure the steering rack to the firewall.
Step 7
Reconnect the tie rods to the vehicle's struts. Slide the ball stud through the mounting hole and reinstall the castle nut and cotter pin.
Step 8
Reinstall the tire and wheel assemblies.
Step 9
Lower the vehicle.
Step 10
Reinstall the upper pinch bolt on the flexible coupling at the bottom of the steering column. Access can be obtained from the passenger compartment.
Step 11
Reinstall the pressure line mounting bracket.
Step 12
Reconnect the pressure line to the steering gear.
Step 13
Reinstall the sound insulating pad below the dash on the driver's side of the interior.
Step 14
Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal.
Have the vehicle's alignment checked.
References
- "Chilton's General Motors Cavalier/Skyhawk/Sunbird/Sunfire 1982-96 Repair Manual"; Chilton Book Company; 1996
- "Haynes General Motors Buick Skyhawk Cadillac Cimarron Chevrolet Cavalier Oldsmobile Firenza Pontiac J2000 & Sunbird 1982 thru 1994 Repair Manual"; Larry Warren John H. Haynes; 1998
Tips
- If the steering rack will be removed from the vehicle for an extended period of time, plug the pressure line to prevent dirt, oil and moisture from contaminating the system.
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Pitman arm separator
- Needle nose pliers
- Flat blade screwdriver
Warnings
- Always follow the instructions listed in the owner's manual when lifting or lowering a vehicle. Failing to do so could cause injury or death.
Writer Bio
Jeffrey Caldwell has been a freelance writer for over five months and has published over 250 articles on websites like eHow and Trails.com. Caldwell writes articles on a wide range of topics including travel, camping and automotive mechanics. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Millersville University.
