OEM 2002 Chevrolet Tracker Rack And Pinion

2002 Chevrolet Tracker Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the Rack and Pinion steering gear on 2002 Chevrolet Tracker?

  A: Before starting Rack And Pinion replacement make sure to position the Steering Wheel and front tires directly ahead so the Steering Column sits in lock position. Shutdown the supplemental inflatable restraint system (SIR) to stop air bag activation. A syringe will extract power steering fluid from the reservoir before lifting and securely supporting the vehicle. First detach the left outer Tie Rod End from the knuckle using the Tie Rod puller (J 6627-A) and then remove the left outer Tie Rod nut from the knuckle. Finally detach the skid plate from the vehicle. This procedure needs repeating for the right outer Tie Rod. A drain pan should be placed beneath the rack while removing the power steering inlet pipe/hose bolt and its two gaskets. The power steering hoses must be disconnected first followed by removing the intermediate Steering Shaft clamp bolt so the lower Steering Shaft can be removed from the rack. Mark both the pinion shaft and rack housing with paint to preserve their original alignment. The four rack mounting bolts need removal before the rack can be extracted together with its insulators and brackets. During new rack installation avoid reshaping original inner Tie Rod and pinion shaft marks located earlier. Begin installation by adding the two Tie Rod lock nuts without tightening before securing the outer Tie Rod ends. After placing the rack in a straight-ahead position, secure the rack with two brackets and four bolts to this vehicle. Use 25 nm torque (18 ft. Lbs.) to tighten the intermediate steering bolt and 55 nm torque (40 ft. Lbs.) for rack mounting bolts. First, reconnect the hoses then position the rack inlet pipe/hose together with two installed gaskets and bolt before torquing the bolt to 35 nm (25.5 ft. Lbs.). Following skid plate installation, lower your vehicle and put dexron iii automatic transmission fluid gm p/n 12346143 (Canadian P/N 10952622) or its equivalent into the reservoir then bleed your power steering system. Complete the sir activation before measuring front toe and tightening the Tie Rod lock nut to 65 nm (47 ft. Lbs.).