rack and pinion replaced

[4Runner98]

My rack was starting to pour power steering fluid so obviously it was time for a replacement. Luckily I'm in an auto class in school working for my certification I was able to use a lift to get it done. Let me tell ya it is not as easy as it seems! Especially if you go mudding. Some of the bolts were so rusted I had to melt them off with a blow torch. After a day it was in and fixed! I haven't been driving the runner for about a month and a half and it feels great to drive it again. oh and if you go mudding, make sure you REALLY wash the undercarriage.

 

[TucsonDon]

Need to replace R & P, question on procedure

My grandson's 1996 SR5 4Runner needs steering rack replaced. Dealer estimate is out ot site. I am willing to mentor his DIY project, but have a question. The CD we purchased with maintenance info says that the steering wheel must be removed to prevent damage to the steering coil spring. Is this necessary? It involves removing the pad/air bag/etc.
I have replaced racks on two Mustangs and one Honda Accord and while some grunt wok was involved, and care with matching end positions was necessary, it was pretty straight forward. Thanks for any advice and experiences you may have had. Don.

 

[habanero]

Just did the rack on my 96 and no, I did not remove the steering wheel. That nut in the center is tacked on, the bolt on the left (driver's) is loooong. The hardest part was the hydraulic lines, then the steering rag joint. Not bad, though.

 

[Nelsonmd]

My grandson's 1996 SR5 4Runner needs steering rack replaced. Dealer estimate is out ot site. I am willing to mentor his DIY project, but have a question. The CD we purchased with maintenance info says that the steering wheel must be removed to prevent damage to the steering coil spring. Is this necessary? It involves removing the pad/air bag/etc.
I have replaced racks on two Mustangs and one Honda Accord and while some grunt wok was involved, and care with matching end positions was necessary, it was pretty straight forward. Thanks for any advice and experiences you may have had. Don.

Do some searching here and on yotatech. I think I remember a thread where someone talked about this exact question. There are several people that have had broken steering wheel clock springs, and they are painful to replace/repair. I would take that suggestion seriously and do some more research before getting into it.

 

[habanero]

Curiosity question: How do they break the clock springs, turning the steering shaft too much or something?

Edit:
Good ol' Pirate, good info on the Steering wheel spiral cable/clock spring tech thread. Thanks, Nelsonmd. I'd tied the steering wheel so it wouldn't rotate after centering the wheel, then made sure everything went on the way it came off, and that the rack was centered too-it just made sense to do so.