Installing Steering rack into Z20

**VasH** · 12-12-2007, 05:07 PM

Hey everyone. Im replacing the steering rack in my gz20, i was originally going to drop into the local mechanic and get them to do it but it might just be cheaper for me to get the tools i need and do it myself.

So im wondering if anyone has any good advice/instructions on how to do it. My plan so far was to get some car ramps and just have a good look around the installed one and take note of were everything goes and what tools i need.

The rack im installing doesnt have the ends on it so i would have to use the existing ones, and was wondering if having the car on ramps would make it harder to do? or would just jacking it up and have the wheels free easier? And would i need to take the rack ends out or could i leave the attached and install the rack as is.

any advice is appreciated! thanks.

**Gavatron** · 13-12-2007, 07:26 AM

You need to have the wheels free. Have to remove the front wheels to remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles.

Don't know anything more z20 specific, sorry.

**IN 05 NT** · 13-12-2007, 08:15 AM

jack front of car up,
remove front wheels,
UNDO powersteering hoses to rack
crack the tie rod adjusting nuts
remove tie rods from hub,
wind tie rods off the rack (COUNTING HOW MANY TURNS TO WIND OF ON BOTH SIDES) as you will have to wind them back to where they were.
(may be a pressure sensor on the rack if so remove conector)
remove steering knuckle bolt.
remove the rack bolts holding to the crossmember (probably 2 17mm's)

replace in reverse order, fill and bleed the powersteer pump, and then get a wheel allingmnet done.

goodluck!

blake

**VasH** · 13-12-2007, 10:54 AM

thanks for the info guys

**EldarO** · 13-12-2007, 02:10 PM

its a prick to do with the motor in

but yeah, as outlined

**MX83-maybe** · 13-12-2007, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by EldarO

its a prick to do with the motor in

but yeah, as outlined

don't know much about the Z20 but as Eldar said hard to do with the motor in. On my dads ute the rack is bolted onto the underside of the motor. odd positioning but anyway. good luck with it.

**3sgte** · 13-12-2007, 02:55 PM

Does it have an airbag?

If so, assuming that it is an electrically operated type, make sure to secure the steering wheel to prevent it rotating while the rack is out.

In addition, make sure to center the spiral cable (relative to the rack) when reassembling things.
I will post more info later (unless someone beats me to it).

**VasH** · 13-12-2007, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by 3sgte

Does it have an airbag?

If so, assuming that it is an electrically operated type, make sure to secure the steering wheel to prevent it rotating while the rack is out.

In addition, make sure to center the spiral cable (relative to the rack) when reassembling things.
I will post more info later (unless someone beats me to it).

nah it doesnt have an airbag

Im just hoping this mz20 rack will fit.