[DIY] Power Steering Rack Replacement

rambunctious

Prep before reassembly

Step 1: If the low pressure line is still attached to the steering rack, then using a 15mm wrench, break the fitting loose. You dont necessarily need to replace this drain port assembly, but I couldnt find where Nissan sells the O-ring without the drain port assembly. Go ahead and pull back the clamp from the line and then remove the rubber hose from the drain port.

Step 2: You will now want to lubricate the O-ring before inserting the new port assembly (4932503E0A) that you bought, into the steering rack. Just dip your finger into the PS fluid and apply a small amount PS to the O-ring.

Step 3. Then tighten the drain assembly to 25-ft/lbs (if you dont have a torque wrench, its about lightly snug fit or hand tighten).

Step 4. Before you take off the tie rod, you're going to want to count the number of thread from the end (the thread starting closes to the steering rack) to the locking nut for the tie rod on both sides. You will want to do this for both sides. Write down these numbers somewhere. This way you can remain as close to alignment specs.

Step 5. Now you will remove the tie rod ends from the old steering rack. Make sure to note how many spins it took to remove for each side. This will help you remain as close to your alignment specs.

Step 6. Now with the tie rod ends and locking bolts off. Do a visual comparison between the old and new steering rack. Make sure the mounting holes are in the same place. Make sure steering rack is centered to your old one. If one end is too far off, spin the top spindle to align properly. The top spindle had a indented circle, you will want to position the new steering spindle as close to that as possible.

Step 7. With the new steering steering rack centered, you will first want to put locking nut onto the new steering rack. Make sure the leave the number of threads we noted in step 4 visible.

Step 8. Now you will spin on the tie rod ends. The number of spins should be the same amount as number counted in step 5. We wont tighten down the locking nut, just yet.

Step 9. Go ahead and slide back under the car and replace the o-ring that we took off in Step 15 of the removal process. You will want to lubricate this with some fresh power steering fluid.