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Steering Rack Upgrade?

Impala131

Impala131

New member
Well, when I was upgrading the sways on my 04 Impala, I found the source of my power steering fluid leak... rack is shot.

Figure, if I'm going to the trouble, it'll be worth it to spend a bit more if there is an upgrade available. The current rack is "standard", no magnasteer or anything like that. I've had magnasteer before, wasn't super impressed anyway.

Is there a police-option rack that offers different steering characteristics? Maybe another aftermarket/performance rack that offers better steering response? The leak isn't too bad, so I can keep topping off fluid and drive it for awhile yet. Gonna replace the rack and pump once I figure out the route I want to take.
 


Not that I'm aware I had the same issue they are kinda junk... I went through 1 with in 6 months from the parts store the 2nd one has been good though it looks way nicer for some reason to. I changed my lines and pump too because I wanted the annoying wine to go away the new pump was as bad as the old one. I used lucas stop leak fluid it's way thicker and fixed the whine. There's not many options unless you want to spend like a 1,000 bucks for a oem rack from the dealership and I don't even know if that's any better.
 
The one from advanced auto parts I believe its a A1 Cardone it's been a while though not sure if they changed there brands or not. You can use a coupon code online and get it cheaper if you don't know how to use the coupons let me know.
 
Just changed mine this last weekend. While your in there you might as well change the pump too. make sure you get the right hoses if you do. They will not thread in to the pump if wrong. and dont line up to the rack properly ether.
 


Cardone rack it is, I've heard a few guys complain about them and recommend Napas brand over them but it sounds like they may of got there sh*t together and I like the fact that I can save some money through advance


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Rock auto carries Cardone too, uou may want to check their prices. I have bought stuff from RA where even with shipping it was substantially cheaper that Advance even with their 20% off coupon, exact same brand and part #. Not always, and cant always wait for the part, but always worth checking IMO.

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cardone can still be hit or miss.

i find alot of comfort in the OEM tier 1 supplier racks that you find in the junkyard on the lower mile/newer W's

saving $ never really saves you $....when your replacing a rack for the second time when it has weak assist in one direction or a tight spot....
 
Heres a 5% discount code for rick auto
Your discount code is:

3962992534585965


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I've replaced mine with the Napa brand.
no smegma steer for me. That made the steering wheel feel like it was mounted to a ship
 


Turbocharged400sbc said:
cardone can still be hit or miss.

i find alot of comfort in the OEM tier 1 supplier racks that you find in the junkyard on the lower mile/newer W's

saving $ never really saves you $....when your replacing a rack for the second time when it has weak assist in one direction or a tight spot....
Click to expand...

That's true. After all I rather not have to replace it again because I wanted to save some money. There's no newer wbody in the JY atm just older crap. And IIRC they charge $100 for a rack so I'll be better off just getting a remanuf one. Looks like I settle either with a rebuilt AC delco for RA or just grab one of Napas


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Turbocharged400sbc said:
cardone can still be hit or miss.

i find alot of comfort in the OEM tier 1 supplier racks that you find in the junkyard on the lower mile/newer W's

saving $ never really saves you $....when your replacing a rack for the second time when it has weak assist in one direction or a tight spot....
Click to expand...

Guess it all depends on the actual manufacturer, versus the branding. For all I know, the NAPA rack could be a rebranded cardone product. Or a shared supplier. Spending more money isn't necessarily a guarantee of quality, either. If the NAPA is actually a better product, then that would be helpful. Maybe you can confirm that the NAPA rack is a higher quality product?

Can an average joe with a standard toolbox reasonably rebuild an OEM power steering rack themself? Could buy quality repair parts, seals, etc. In my case, only problem with the rack is the pass side leaks near the tie rod inside of the bellows.
 
when i said Tier 1 suppliers, its delphi, ac delco/delco-remy, cloyes etc. napa gold/platinum filters are napa branded WIX filters

napa will have the oem quality stuff as well as the cheaper cardone/etc.
thing is if you go to a gm dealer to buy a delco rack, often ive seen em resell a marked up napa part since it cheaper than going through the GM parts line. always be leary about that sorta stuff.... its why i wouldnt want to do it through the mail/shipping.

if your rims show curb rash the bushings are likely shot, not just the seals, the bushing get hammered alot on that side due to curbing and predominance of right side potholes/suspension cycling
 
I watched a video on rebuilding a rack and I can tell you its not even something I would ever consider. For the time (whereas time is money) and effort involved it would be cheaper to buy a new/reman unit. You also get a warranty and you can bolt it in as soon as you remove the old one.
 


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