Monte Carlo & Lumina Since the 1970s, the Monte Carlo has been an icon of American stock car racing. A 4-door version, the Lumina, was produced in the late 90's.
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Newbie with power steering leak

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Old Jan 1, 2016 | 6:00 PM
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Default Newbie with power steering leak

Buying a 01 lumina. Gonna jump right in!
Soon to be previuos owner told me it has a leak. Said he had it to a dealer and the entire rack needs replaced. Can these be rebuilt somewhat easily? Or Am I better off replacing ? $50 for a seal kit vs $200 for a new rack.
I have replaced a power steering rack on a 05 trailblazer, will the process be similar? Short of this having a trans mount engine. Read somewhere that engine bolts will need loosened, and engine tilted to remove the rack. Is this true?
Thank you in advance
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Old Jan 1, 2016 | 7:03 PM
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better to replace the rack,you could replace whatever seals are leaking and from experience it,s just not worth it.yes you have to tilt the motor ahead to allow more room to be able to access the lines and for easy removal of the rack.if you replace your rack,crack the outer tierods while they are still attached to the spindles.hope this helps.
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Old Jan 2, 2016 | 11:49 AM
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2001 Chevrolet Lumina Power Steering Rack All Models 80-00301 R
Found a reman for $70 less than a new one from the local parts stores. Is it worth the risk to save $70? Anyone have experience with reman parts or this company? I don't want to have replace it again.
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Old Jan 2, 2016 | 2:12 PM
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its up to you what you want to spend,as far as i,m concerned oem is always better.if you can swing the extra money by all means go that route.i have changed parts with after market parts and found that they never last like oem parts.if you weren,t gonna keep the car then after market would be the way to go.
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Old Jan 2, 2016 | 3:20 PM
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Thank you to all for commenting.
I was wrong, all of the ones i found are reman. Makes choosing easier!
When I slide this out, will it slide out the drivers side?
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Old Jan 2, 2016 | 4:23 PM
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Yes you have to pull it out the driver side.
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Old Jan 2, 2016 | 4:37 PM
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when the new rack is in place. fill the system with fluid and move the wheels from stop to stop 20x with the engine off. recheck the fluid level and repeat. if the fluid level has not dropped. then start the engine and move the wheels stop to stop again. do not start the engine without doing the manual cycling first.



the purpose is to stop from getting air in the system, air = p/s pump will be noisy.
send for alignment and your done.

Last edited by tech2; Jan 2, 2016 at 5:17 PM. Reason: grammar correction
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Old Jan 2, 2016 | 5:04 PM
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Thank you
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Old Jan 5, 2016 | 8:04 PM
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For the short of the story, Made a mistake. Cut the tie rod off, at the stud. Was not coming out. Thought I'd be able to get puller of some sort on it.
Any ideas how to get the stud out?
I tried putting a gear puller on it, upside down, as I later realized its a tapered shaft? Problem is with the taper of the arm, having a problem keeping puller arms on.
Attached Thumbnails Newbie with power steering leak-img_20160104_192248264.jpg  
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Old Jan 5, 2016 | 8:21 PM
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I can't make anything out from the picture.

if this is the outer tie rod end attached to the knuckle. If the nut is off, hit the knuckle hard with a big hammer. hit the knuckle where it surrounds the tie rod end. you want to hit the side face of the knuckle not the top or bottom. goggle eric the car guy. he usually has good videos and knows what he is doing compared the all the backyarders on you tube; who should not be posting car repair advice.

before you loosen the outer tie rod from the knuckle, crack the lock nut on the inner tie rod end. you will not be able to do it easily once the outer tie rod is free from the knuckle.









this is not a nice job to do in your driveway on jackstands. Everyone should have to do this; afterwards they would appreciate the job mechanics do.

Last edited by tech2; Jan 5, 2016 at 8:29 PM.
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