Vernondo

I have a 2002 RL and the power steering/rack/pinion is out. I am told that this is typical of the year and a difficult repair. The car steers fine when it's rolling but occasionally I will smell hot fluid after driving. I assume this is the power steering pump/fluid overheating. If replacing the power steering/rack/pinion is difficult without a lift, is there a way that I can disconnect the power steering pump so that it is not overheating?

1186KA9

Try to find out the actual issue. IE if there is a leak or if it is actually boiling. If it is boiling, flush the fluid with at least 50-70 ounces of the PS fluid of your choice ASAP and maybe mount a cooler behind the lower grille if it persists. If it is somehow the rack, then replacement isn't too bad. Just the clamps on the hoses by the rack are a PITA, You will need to use fuel hose injection clamps to replace them. They will break or be really hard to remove.

Calvin Ming

Smh, thos is a simple system and the only thing that could "boil" the fuild is the Power steering pump. So sounds like the pump is bad.
Also, as mentioned, the hoses are known to leak(weak point). There is a high pressure line and 2 other lines(prone to leak).
As for lift, I have used jack stands and a jack to replace and repair ALL 3 of my RL's!

Calvin Ming

There is a rebuild kit for these pumps as well. If you know what your doing, great option, 20$

1186KA9

Also, when you do this, be wary of the line clamps. One of mine rusted out and broke so I am saving the other one for a later date to potentially make copies in the future as the part is NLA. Need to learn how to CAD though since I have no engineering background! In the meantime, I used zip ties and the original rubber piece to secure the lines in the meantime. Not good, but it is the only option ATM.