2001 Caravan Rack n Pinion

[ducmons]

Hi there. New-B here.

My brother just lost the rack n' pinion on his van, thanks to his kid (gotta love 'em).

We are not dummies, but aren't mechanics either. How much time would it take to replace the rack n' pinion on a 2001 Caravan? I'm sure this has been asked, so if some of you can direct me to those threads, I'd be very appreciative. If there are any tech forums or how to's on the subject that would be great.

Also, how difficult is it to change the PS pump on the same vehicle?

Thanks again !

[RickMN]

Book says 4.2 hrs for the rack (4.7 w/AWD)
and 3.7 for the pump.

[ducmons]

WOW, that's a lot longer than what I would have expected just for the supporting member.

I see you an experienced techinitian, how difficult (scale 1-10, 10 being the toughest) would rate this procedure.

By the way, nice blog !!!

[Rick99]

WOW, that's a lot longer than what I would have expected just for the supporting member.


I've never changed the rack, but I've done a lot of other complicated stuff and it always takes way more than "book time", which assumes an experienced tech with a lift and well-equipped shop.

[RickMN]

Thanks for the blog comment. I put a lot of work into it--glad it shows!

How hard is it? Not very. But get a good shop manual and don't try any shortcuts. The most difficult parts are separating the steering linkage from the rack and removing the P.S. hoses. It helps to have flare nut crowsfoot wrenches for the PS lines. Regular wrenches will strip the nuts. You'll also need a helper once you've removed the cradle and started to lower the rack in order to get the roll pin from the linkage.

Don't forget to turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and lock it by removing the key from the ignition. Then, when putting in the new rack, make sure it too is turned all the way to the left. This avoids damage to the clockspring.

If you've never done this before, it will definitely take longer than the book time.

[joejoyce]

it takes about 3 hours to change a rack .A hoist is asset.Providing
everthing is not siezed. P/S pump is tough as you have to remove
the pulley beforeit comes out.