Genuine Pontiac Vibe Rack And Pinion

Pontiac Vibe Rack And Pinion Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Gear,Steering
  88973765
  Q: How to remove and reinstall the front suspension crossmember and steering gear on Pontiac Vibe?

  A: This procedure is challenging for the home mechanic and involves supporting the engine from above while removing the front suspension crossmember and other components. Begin by disconnecting the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Next, remove the Steering Wheel to prevent damage to the spiral cable if the Rack And Pinion is not centered during installation. Support the engine from above using an engine support fixture, which can be rented from most equipment rental yards. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and securely support it on jackstands. Apply the parking brake and remove the wheels, followed by the engine under covers. Place a drain pan under the Rack And Pinion, detach the power steering pressure and return lines, and cap the ends to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Unbolt the line clamp from the top of the Rack And Pinion. Remove the universal joint cover by pulling back the carpeting at the bottom of the steering column, marking the relationship of the lower universal joint to the Rack And Pinion input shaft, and removing the lower intermediate shaft pinch-bolt. Loosen the upper universal joint bolt, slide the joint up, and disconnect it from the Rack And Pinion input shaft. Separate the tie-rod ends from the Steering Knuckle arms and the stabilizer bar links from the bar. Disconnect the ball joints from the Control Arms by removing the necessary bolts and nuts, then pry the control arm and ball joint apart. Remove the front section of the exhaust pipe and the bolts securing the engine mount crossmember to the suspension crossmember. Unbolt the suspension crossmember and lower it along with the control arms, ensuring to use an overhead support for the engine/transaxle and a floor jack under the subframe. The engine mounts and engine mount crossmember can remain attached to the engine. Remove the bolts securing the Rack And Pinion to the crossmember, including the hose clamp bracket bolt and the Rack And Pinion mounting bolts on both sides. For installation, reverse the removal steps while ensuring to tighten all steering and suspension fasteners with new bolts for the suspension crossmember. Install the wheels and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position, center the spiral cable, and install the steering wheel and airbag module. Finally, fill the power steering fluid reservoir with the recommended fluid and bleed the steering system.