Has anyone changed a steering rack?

[06BlackR/T]

I have had some creaking noises in the front end when turning the wheel for ever. I have swapped inner and outer tie rods, tension struts, installed BC racing coilovers, upper control arms (SPC), Endlinks (BWoodys) and the noise has never gone away. Thinking about just swapping out the rack to see if that solves the problem. While I have changed all the other stuff myself and I think I could swap out the rack, I am not sure I would know what to do when disconnecting the PS pump or how to flush the system.

Anyone in the Ma area want to lend a hand? Could provide beer, food or cash for anyone with some knowledge that can help. I will be swapping out another new set of tension struts again this time hopefully with pedders bushings and maybe outer tie rods as well if swapping the rack anyway.

[formerice]

I replaced mine with a SRT8 one, not because it was bad, but SRT8 one has better response. (I think). Pedders stuff is good, anytime you can replace oem bushings with Pedders is a good thing. I have a couple excellent garages plus my dealer= Quirk Chrysler, Dodge Jeep in Bangor has been great at diagnosing and fixing front end issues for me. But I'd get it up on a 4 wheel alignment machine and inspect everything before replacing the rack, it could be something else making the sounds.

[06BlackR/T]

It has been looked at by many people and nobody has yet to be able to pinpoint the problem, I think the only things left are the lower control arms and the rack, I have replaced most everything else without any resolution. I figure if I can get a rebuild rack for a few hundred dollars, I could replace the rack, get new outer tie rods , new lower control arms and have the torsion struts replaced under warrenty again for like $600. I will put the peddes bushings in the new torsion struts so hopefully the bushings will last for a while.

I just don't want to keep paying part by part to have things reoplaced if it makes no difference and if I do it myself, I might as well just replace everything left to replace while it is apart.

[ChuckWagon]

Someone (can't remember who) said that they retorqued their cradle bolts and the noise went away. We tried that on Michelle's charger and made no difference. We've been through almost everything that you've done and still we have noise. Haven't replaced the steering rack yet though. Wish I was more help.

[Kevs300]

I'm in Mass, I've never replaced the rack myself but I did have mine changed out and still have noises. Where are you located? I'm always up for helping a fellow LX'er out.

[CT-MSRT]

rack isn't bad to swap. I used a rebuild from Rockauto and it has done well. Prices will vary wildly depending on where you look so if you do go that route, research first and you'll save double the price easily over the dealer.

[06BlackR/T]

Rock auto is where I was looking as the price was really cheap compared to a new unit.

I am in Marlboro Ma if that helps anyone. I am not really concerned about swapping trhe rack itself, more the draining and refilling of the PS system.

[beandip77]

rack isn't bad to swap. I used a rebuild from Rockauto and it has done well. Prices will vary wildly depending on where you look so if you do go that route, research first and you'll save double the price easily over the dealer.

CT...i'm looking to replace my MSRT rack and noticed you mentioned the Rock auto rebuild. Can you give me a part number? I see (3) different ATSCO racks and want to make sure I get the right one. Thanks!