New Rack and Pinion self install??
 

I have a 2004 TL.

I hope that I don't have to do this, but instinct tells me otherwise. I'm leaking power steering fluid badly and it doesn't appear to from the recall hose. I'm running some Lucas Oil leak stop stuff through it now in hopes it's just a bad seal. I've researched prices on racks and doing it myself would be significantly cheaper than putting it in the shop.

I've searched the forum and haven't found anything specifically about a rack and pinion install.

Has anyone done this before? Any tips to share or pitfalls to look out for? Can it be done with a floor jack and tall jack stands, or does the job require a lift? Any guidance or help at all would be great.

It would be too bad with stands.

Hopefully you can trace the source of the leak and fix it. Unfortunately, our steering racks have been known to go bad....

If you have to replace the steering rack, you should consider replacing it with one from a TL-S. It's the same price and totally plug and play.

There is at least one thread where someone did that. Also, Steve5.9 had this done during his collision repair. Folks rave about the difference in feel.

Here's the thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=steering+rack

Here's Steve5.9's collision thread, go to post #155:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/my-tl-got-injured-injured-bad-photos-794877/#post12569330

x2.

take it to the dealer. subframe removal is recommended. you can get away with not doing it but it is very very difficult.

Find out where it's leaking first, hopefully its a hose or the plastic resevoir. If the rack is leaking usually you can find a considerable amount of oil/fluid in the left or right rubber boots/bellows, jack the car up & poke a little hole in the boots & see if fluid has accumulated in one or both of them. If so you need to get a reconditioned rack assembly.
I've not changed out a 3rd gen, I did change out my grandson's 97 TL, it was fairly std. mechanic work. Pump out the old contaminated fluid after the rack is removed, wouldn't hurt to then flush it out with some fresh fluid. You'll need your tie-rod ends put on your new assembly so measure them & count the # of turns as you remove them from old rack (one side is rt. hand thread, one may be left hand thread but not always), you need the "toe in" adjusted when finished, use Honda Fluid only. I did it on the floor with jack stands at all 4 points. I got a reconditioned rack from "Sam's Rack & Pinion & Axle" in Hollywood FL. (find on Ebay), excellent results after 3 yrs. now. This rack for the 97 TL was less than $200 shipped & core exchange.

Oops, I meant shouldn't be too bad on stands.

It's sure not uncommon for a rack to fail on a car with 80K plus miles.

Thanks for the insight. I'm going to jack it up this weekend and try to pinpoint the leak. If the rack must be replaced I'll definitely opt for the type-s replacement.

Definite thanks for the links too, those are helpful.

If I have to replace it, I'll do it myself and document with pics and commentary and post here for others.

sounds like youre more than an average weekend shade tree mechanic. keeps us updated on the progress.

Any updates on this? I think I may have to do my wife's soon. ;(

the manual says you have to remove the steering wheel... is that true? seems like you could center it and leave it alone.