rack and pinion

2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
45,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GRAMMY1750
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We've had this car since Feb. 2007 and have had 6 rack & pinion systems installed to date. 3 genuine GM (including the one that came on it) and 3 after market provided. Is there a possibility that the installer, a GM dealership mechanic service could be doing something wrong with their installation? Do you have any other tips for a solution?
Oct 17, 2010 at 5:07 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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I guess anything is possible. If the first rack came apart internally it could have contaminated the system with debris. Without proper flushing and maybe even a filter on the return line you could cause damage to another rack if installed. You may even have a pump that is failing internally causing the problems

What exactly is happening to these racks?

Read the guide below, it may help you figure this one out

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems
Oct 17, 2010 at 5:19 PM
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MICHAELJTOMCHUCK
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2002 Gran Prix I R and R the rack.Now I can't run or route the hose from the pump to the rack.And I can't connect the intermidate shaft to the rack.All fittings are not lining up,they just keep spinning.I need diagrams.
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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I can't see much from here, exploded view below, hope it helps.
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Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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If you saying the threaded fittings don't match, maybe you got the wrong rack, or your trying to thread the supply into the return or vise-versa.
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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MICHAELJTOMCHUCK
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Diagram didn't help,I was hoping for your experence,Again that hose has too many bends and angles.Thank-you I took the rack out and tried the fitting and it worked.Right rack right fitting.I think that the rack is too high making it impossible to properly line up the hose to the rack.
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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Sorry man, I'm 64, can't remember every vehicle I ever worked on. I guess I'd have to look at it. Did you try to hook up lines before you bolted the rack down? Where applicable, can you lower the cradle just a little?
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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Take the lines loose at the other end, connect to rack end, first.
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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NDTOOTALL66
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I am going to replace the rack & pinion on my 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 When I look up the part there is 2 styles one w/ magnasteer and one without How do I tell which one I have Also How hard is it to change and what is the best way to bleed the lines once I replace it


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/528206_l_e4df7019a15d48febe5c9cf073e1fe9d_1.jpg

Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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MMPRINCE4000
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Dealer can tell you which you have, either through VIN, or "service parts identification" label.

Crank engine (do not start) with return hose disconnected to bleed syetem.
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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JDL
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Maybe with a tubing bender, you can nudge it, just a little?
Nov 14, 2018 at 5:54 PM (Merged)
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DOOB
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The rpo sticker is in the spare tire tub in trunk.
May 4, 2021 at 8:15 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thank you for the information. I'm sure it will be helpful to others.

Take care,

Joe
May 6, 2021 at 9:27 PM