Steering rack. Replace or leave as is?

[asu325ix]

Hey all! Got a zinno 89 ix 5 speed and need some opinions. Like a lot of us, my rack leaks fluid so I have left it as is being I have no problem driving without power steering. However, driving to work one morning (330 am) I didn’t see a large rock in the road till it was too late and hit it hard. Ended up with 2 flats and later on realized I broke the driver side tie rod. Was gonna just replace both tie rods but am considering doing the rack. Here’s my question, should I even bother? If I do, should I find a rebuilt rack? Maybe just replace the seals on the rack I have? My skills as a mechanic are minimal at best so anything too complicated will not be easy or even done by me. Where can I even find a rebuilt rack if I did go that route? I did a little research and know already that it may be beyond my abilities to replace anyway so I will be getting help working on it anyway. Anything I need to know that might not be known when replacing? Is there a video out there on how to replace it? Any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[fresh_TD]

You can get a rebuilt rack from rack doctor. They're not cheap. It's about $500 including the $200 core fee. Once you return your old rack to them, then they refund $200. Replacing tie rods, it's easy.

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[asu325ix]

You can get a rebuilt rack from rack doctor. They're not cheap. It's about $500 including the $200 core fee. Once you return your old rack to them, then they refund $200. Replacing tie rods, it's easy.

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Does the rebuilt rack come with tie rod ends?

[MrBurgundy]

In most cases, no they do not, just the inners.

[fresh_TD]

Does the rebuilt rack come with tie rod ends?

Just inner tie rods.

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[The Dark Side of Will]

Also, replacing the rack is a *VERY* involved job

[audiquattrot]

^ yup dreading having to do mine. My steering has always been sloppy and this is the only thing I haven't replaced down there.

[MrBurgundy]

Also, replacing the rack is a *VERY* involved job

Its not bad at all to change the rack.

Just bend the tabs back for the rack and it drops right out without touching the subframe or lifting the engine.

[cscracker]

You could also install a power steering delete. I have a UHMW one from Condor Speed Shop on mine.

[The Dark Side of Will]

Its not bad at all to change the rack.

Just bend the tabs back for the rack and it drops right out without touching the subframe or lifting the engine.

I don't think you've ever been under an iX.

[MrBurgundy]

I don't think you've ever been under an iX.

Man, you know so much about me <3

Didn’t see the sub forum, bro

But I’ve actually owned an ix for a number of years ;p



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[MrBurgundy]

Man, you know so much about me <3

Didn’t see the sub forum, bro and I can’t read well

But I’ve actually owned an ix for a number of years ;p



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[asu325ix]

I heard it’s very messy at the least. I think I might just do the tie rod ends and be done with it. Been driving her for years without power steering anyway. Just wondering since I’m gonna tinker with it if it’s worth the trouble.

[Kershaw]

Having power steering is going to completely change your driving experience.

[The Dark Side of Will]

Man, you know so much about me <3

Didn’t see the sub forum, bro

But I’ve actually owned an ix for a number of years ;p

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I am psychic, you know.

Next time you're going down on her, check out how the rack has to come out. It's nothing like a RWD car.