I just received a new GM steering rack and pinion for my 2008 H3. Been leaking out of the passenger side seal for weeks and continues to get worse. Grabbed the AC Delco OEM R&P from RockAuto and it comes with the outer tie rods as well. I'm not sure if this is a dumb question or not but does anyone know or have a recommendation for how to go about the installation since the outer tie rods are already on the rack? Seems unlikely but there was no documentation in the box or on the RA website. From what I know through videos and documentation, when you service your rack/inner tie rod/bellows you need to mark and count the number of rotations that it takes for the outer tie rod to come off and use that during the reinstall process. Should I be assuming that the tie rods on the new unit are tightened to spec and count the rotations? The only other thing I would know to do is to count the rotations on my current outer tie rods and apply that to the new rack once I've got it supported. Anyone done a full swap before that would have any insight?

Also, any advice or recommendations for install in general would be greatly appreciated. It seems fairly straightforward but for some reason, I've got some nerves going with this project. I just replaced the pressure and return hoses two weeks ago (god awful job that took me forever, btw) and I've done so many other repairs but this one has me shaky before I even get started. Will be following this up with a CV shaft seal replacement as well.


New GM rack and pinion from RockAuto

 

Center & LOCK/SECURE steering wheel 1st. Most rp's are boxed centered, you can check:

 

center them and put them side by side then measure the length on each side. adjust the new one. install it then go for an alignment.

 

Good info from both guys. Make sure that steering wheel is locked at center, then have at it.

 

Much appreciated. And yeah, I've definitely read just how important it is to lock the wheel so I will make sure that happens. Almost bought the GM tool that the manual recommends but didn't want to pay/wait for shipping. I'll try to grab some pictures or maybe even put together a video and post that once it's done and add them to the thread.

 

you might be able to use the seatbelt if you move the seat all the way forward then pass it through the steering wheel. you will damage the clockspring if it moves or disturb the steering angle sensor calibration.

 

Yes, needed for shops that do many alignments daily. DIY, after centering secure the steering wheel with cargo straps/bungee cords/duct tape, etc.. make sure to secure center before disconnecting the rack. Then make sure new rack is centered before install. With steering wheel & rack centered, move outer tie rods as needed. Measure inside distance side to side of the tires(front/rear), should be 1/16"-1/8" less on the front (TOE) GL

 

thanks again everyone for all of the information shared. Following up here to confirm that it appears the GM rack and pinion with tie rods did in fact come centered. There is a yellow paint line on the input shaft that lines up with another line on the housing just like hummerz's video showed. I tested it using the method in the video just out of curiosity and it matched with the yellow lines. Tie rods also measured the same length at the threads at 1.15cm.

I've got a process writeup for installing the entire unit that I will post shortly.