Replace rack and pinion 1996 Avalon

[TMack409]

Not a job for the Novice! I think I used every tool I own! The Haynes Manual covers the basics. But I will ad that the back-side O2 Sensor should come off before you begin. And, upon reassembly, I had to use a jack (on the bolt itself) to get the rack bolt to line up on the passenger side - bit of a tight fit on that side of the rack.

If I had it to do over, I would purchase a 19mm, 6 point swivel impact socket so I could use my impact wrench on those two rack mount bolts! I literally had to use the power of my foot, leg and body on an 18 inch breaker bar - to get them loose! (You will approach them from the back - nothing needed on the front as the nuts have a stop mounted to them.

I used the A1 Cardone Rack. About $274. My original rack was marginal. What made it fail was replacing the P/S pump yesterday :-P May I suggest that at 165,000 miles you simply replace both as a matter of course. LOL the pump was almost as much $$$ as the rack!!!

I've got just under $500 invested - pump, rack, couple of new tools, fluids. Took me about 15 hours (I am DIY - not Pro!). I figure I saved about $1000 in labor dollars.

[smuook]

Nice job... under 500 bucks is impressive. I only have 1k on my 07 and hopefully won't be doing this anytime soon...

[mitch2264]

That is most impressive! I had to replace my rack and pinion unit last week on my 96 Avalon. I looked at what was involved and decided to take it to my mechanic No way was I going to tackle that one! He charged me $486.00-including an allignment--this was just labor.

It must be the season for our generation Avalon's having steering issues here in Atlanta! My wife works with 2 other people with our generation Avalons and both of these folks had to have new rack and pinion units installed and power steering pumps. I was lucky that I got by with only having the rack and pinion unit replaced-- this time. I do love this car and this is really the only big issue in 11 years and 107,000 miles---I am okay with that!

Looks like I will be needing new tires in the near future! I can't make my mind up as to what brand tire to go with. I had a 94 Camry and had a set of Toyos put on before I traded it in and liked those-so I may go with a set. If anyone has any advice or experience on the good, bad or ugly with tires please let me know!

Thanks and congrats on doing a hard job!!