Need to replace rack and pinion on 99 Grand Am. Will it have to go on a rack or can we do this at home?

Question

Need to replace rack and pinion on 99 Grand Am. Will it have to go on a rack or can we do this at home?

Answer 1

It would ne a heck of alot easier on a rack. Laying on your back under the car will get to you as you find out it is not as easy as it looks. Also if you buy a short rack, you will need some special tools. Also you will need to align the car. If you have an alignment machine you probably already have a lift. I would take it to a shop. get various quotes ahead of time.

Answer 2

You can do it at home. a couple of jack stands and you will be ready. If your doing the entire rack assembly you wont need "special" tools. I have done the job several times and I dont have a rack.

Answer 3

no, it doesn't need a rack  

Answer 4

The rack and pinion may be worth more than the car. You are so ready for a Toyota Corolla.  

Answer 5

I did this job at home on '89 Bonneville.  It is challenging job especially if you are working alone.   You need to jack it

high enough to get well underneath,  I put front of car on stump.  Then you always find bolts that are awkward and difficult to reach.   Conceptually, it is not a bad job. Realistically challenges arise.  You may have to drop exhaust pipe between exhaust manifold and catalytic converter.