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View Poll Results: When did you change your original rack and pinion unit?
175K miles or less 2 50.00%
175 to 200k miles 2 50.00%
200k to 225k miles 0 0%
225k miles or more 0 0%
Voters: 4. You may not vote on this poll

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  #1  
Old 07-14-2009, 01:04 PM
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Stoga Stoga is offline
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Default Rack and Pinion replacment miles.

This is a thread I started so we can compare typical life of a rack and pinion unit. I know there is some difference across vehicle lines, but the basic system is the same. I just changed the original one in my 2000 GC at 198,910 miles.
And let me tell you, when they decide to leak, they don't fool around!
I was in town and noticed a noise, topped off the fluid and thought ok. Drove out to the grocery store about 6 miles, and it started making noise. I thought uhoh and topped it off again and the steering got stiff and making noise by the time I got to the house. Left it parked over the last weekend, got a new unit , then filled it up one last time. It started making noise about a block before I got to the garage with it and naturally, I was in a long line of slowpokes the whole way into town!
Anyway, new one is on and I've got to say the minivan almost feels twitchy to me now it's so sensitive. Only thing I would do different is I replaced an inner tie rod at around 180K miles. Seeing that the rack from the parts store came with new inners and if you pay the price and get one at the dealership, they come with new inner and outer tie rods, I wish I had just changed the whole thing back then. That's something I'll keep in mind as my older daughter's 98 Grand Caravan nears the 180K mile mark.
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  #2  
Old 07-14-2009, 05:31 PM
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Gee, Phil. A Mopar that needed parts replaced after a zillion miles? Careful, or someone will accuse you of Mopar bashing!
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  #3  
Old 07-14-2009, 11:30 PM
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Nah, just like having an idea when certain parts may need looked at and having an advance warning of potential problems.
Besides, it's not wore out, I've only got a quarter of a zillion miles on it so far!
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  #4  
Old 07-15-2009, 10:28 AM
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Default Company car

I had a Taurus company car back when. That car had three R&P replacements in three years. Keeping the rear axle aligned was another nightmare. The company switched to Chrysler Fifth Avenues after that debacle.
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  #5  
Old 07-16-2009, 09:27 AM
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Not fun, I got to do that job back in the late 80s, about as fun as doing a valve job on one. Mom's is an 86, and I have a dead cylinder in that one too.
Right now it's a yard ornament, though I'll fix it eventually. Thanks for the reminder though, I'll be keeping an eye on that.
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  #6  
Old 07-20-2009, 05:33 PM
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I replaced the Rack and pinion on my wife's 81 GM Olds Omega at 35,000 miles, and again at 51,000, after which I received a recall notice from GM.

I've never replaced a Mopar R&P.
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  #7  
Old 08-01-2009, 03:52 AM
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This is the first Mopar one I've ever had to change.
Mine just started pumping fluid out of the passenger side of the rack, you can still see fluid stains in the parking lot where I turned around next door.
We've had a ton of rain and you can still see it, that PS fluid must be pretty tough stuff!
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  #8  
Old 08-02-2009, 03:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stoga View Post
.... that PS fluid must be pretty tough stuff!
It's essentially the same as ATF, isn't it? Basically hydraulic fluid with additives???
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  #9  
Old 08-03-2009, 03:31 PM
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One would think so, but I do know if you put the wrong kind of fluid in, it will void the warrantee, whether it's an original or replacement.
I don't know enough about the chemistry as for why, though I expect it bodges the seals and/or doesn't lubricate enough.
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