2001 Z24 2.4L 5sp.

I've had a loose feeling in my front end for some time now, and have replaced everything short of ball joints and tierods.

I took the car in Monday to have my OUTER tie rods done, which cost me $150 including parts and labor. (Parts alone were like $98)

Anyways, the technician told me it'd be hard to tell whether it was the inner or outer tie rods, and the inner tie rods are part of the steering rack assembly.

He suggested I do the outers first, and if the problem still existed, do the inners as well. Which I felt was the cheapest way to do it as well.


I was quoted about $530 parts and labor to replace the rack.

This is a bit more than I'd like to pay, and was curious if this is possible to replace myself with basic hand tools (sockets, ratches, jack etc.....)

I was also curious what a new rack would run me.....

I was under the impression it'd be about $200-$300 but I figured I'd ask the experts.

As far as my own mechanical ability, I've done my front brakes (pads and rotors), both front wheel bearings, both front struts, and both front stur mounts. None of these jobs were a huge problem except the strut mounts... The recessed nut was a pain, but I got through that

Thanks in advance




I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.

I'm gonna keep tabs on this thread. I've still the OE rack in my 'Fire and wonder what's involved in sliding a new one in, should the time ever come. Could be as 'simple' as disconnecting the steering shaft, unbolting the mounting brackets, and unhooking the fluid lines?

DartBaron wrote:I'm gonna keep tabs on this thread. I've still the OE rack in my 'Fire and wonder what's involved in sliding a new one in, should the time ever come. Could be as 'simple' as disconnecting the steering shaft, unbolting the mounting brackets, and unhooking the fluid lines?

I figured along the same lines, but figured I'd ask the pros before attempting it myself.

I figure I've had most of the front end taken apart at one time or another, so what's 1 or 2 more things taken apart to fix one more problem




I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.

I did a rack on a first generation Buick Skyhawk, but the rack is mounted higher on those. Wasn't a hard job. I'm assuming the third generations are pretty straightforward, as there doesn't appear to be anything in the way. Since the third generation rack isn't an inherent problem with the J-bodies, I would get one from a late model wreck in the junkyard. If you pull the part yourself, save the pressure line. By pulling the part yourself you will have an idea of how hard of a job it is. Go to the library and check out the service manual if you don't already have one.


God bless America.

FWIW I use a turkey baster and suck the fluid out of the reservoir and replace with new once a year. The fluid looks pretty brown and nasty after a years use.


God bless America.

Bump

Thanks for the input so far....

Anyone else care to share any knowledge?




I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.

I'm starting this monday... still need help

Bump




I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.

Keep us updated...I need to do this job on my wife's '96 Cavalier, as it has a bad inner tie rod. The front end sometimes vibrates at 65+ mph. I can grab the passenger side inner tie rod and feel it rattle around a bit where it attaches to the rack. The factory service manual makes pulling the rack sound like a whole lot of fun.

i'm interested in this too, anyone offer any advice?



Ryan1

Brett Harmon wrote:Keep us updated...I need to do this job on my wife's '96 Cavalier, as it has a bad inner tie rod. The front end sometimes vibrates at 65+ mph. I can grab the passenger side inner tie rod and feel it rattle around a bit where it attaches to the rack. The factory service manual makes pulling the rack sound like a whole lot of fun.

I lifted the whole front end Tuesday, and was going to do the job myself, following my Haynes auto manual...

I'm definitely not up to doing the job myself, without a little more guidance......


The first step, is to disconnect the intermediate shaft (after pulling up the rubber boot at the firewall) And I couldn't get the rubber boot to stay up high enough to access the damn bolt....

I'd LIKE to do it myself, the mechanic I have here wants $300 to do it, and that's ONLY LABOR COSTS.







I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.