Rack and Pinion install directions

[Deleted member 7876]

Hey everyone. I have never replaced a rack and pinion on a vehicle and with 255,000 miles on my H3 and leaks on both sides I think it's about time. I was curious if anyone has any instructions on how to do it? I'll be replacing the power steering pump/reservoir along with the hoses as well....these I have never done before so it'll be a learning curve. I have changed out the bushings on the rack and pinion a year ago but that's the closest I've gotten to it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[08H3]

Page 56 outlines procedure. Only other advice I can give is to make sure to use flare wrenches where appropriate. I'm not really that mechanically inclined, but it was well within my abilities, so I think most people will be able to handle it.

https://schwarttzy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Hummer-H3-Power-Steering1-1-4-1.pdf

 

[Somethingbigandorange]

Two pieces of advice from personal experience - be VERY careful threading the screw back in that holds the hoses. Stripped mine, cost me the unit. Also, I removed the bolt on the drivers side that holds the axle tube to the vehicle (one bolt facing up) and it gave me enoug free play in the axle tube to get the rack out with very little wrangling.

 

[Deleted member 7876]

Awesome, thanks for the tips and the link. I'll see if I can master it this weekend if all the parts come in by then.

 

[4speedfunk]

Before you begin, tie the wheel off to the brake pedal to keep it from rotating. It can easily spin when disconnected. If the wheel gets re-attached after spinning...it can be an expensive adventure.

 

[rascole]

I have done it twice. It is a lot easier than you think. It is pretty intuitive and hard to mess up.

 

[Deleted member 7876]

I did see that about having to tie off the wheel, or buying the pin tool to keep it from moving. I'll tie it off.
I do have another question though. I see 2 different types of return hoses, one is a FINNED cooler hose and the other is a TUBE cooler hose. Will either of these work, it shows they both fit but they don't look alike at all.

 

[rascole]

Use a strap to tie the steering wheel to the brake pedal. Post a picture or link to the hose you are referring to, return hose are usually low pressure back to the reservoir.

 

[JPaul]

I did see that about having to tie off the wheel, or buying the pin tool to keep it from moving. I'll tie it off.
I do have another question though. I see 2 different types of return hoses, one is a FINNED cooler hose and the other is a TUBE cooler hose. Will either of these work, it shows they both fit but they don't look alike at all.

I'd imagine the finned one would work. The Alpha's came with the finned cooler stock while the 5 cyl models just used the tube cooler. As long as the pump itself is in the same position and is the same style it should be fine. I have no idea though to be honest, someone else on here might know for sure. Worst case you can swap out the hose that goes from the cooler to the pump since it is just the low pressure return line. The coolers both mount in the same spot.

Never really was sure why they did the finned one on the Alpha and not the 5 cyl. Maybe the extra weight from the engine and cast iron front diff causes the fluid to heat up more.

 

[Deleted member 7876]

I guess I didn't read descriptions very well. The gear to reservoir are all the same, which is all I would need.
Thanks everyone.

 

[4speedfunk]

I’ve worked on many 5-cyl models, and some have the cooler...some don’t. Not sure it has anything to do with the motor. I think it may have to do with the original destination climate.

 

[Spoot]

...Also, I removed the bolt on the drivers side that holds the axle tube to the vehicle (one bolt facing up) and it gave me enoug free play in the axle tube to get the rack out with very little wrangling.

Thanks for that advice! Replaced rack, hoses, and pump over the last two weekends, getting the rack in and out is a PITA.



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