2002 Cavalier Power Steering Rack Replacement (Part 1) -EricTheCarGuy

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11 жыл бұрын

Visit me at: www.ericthecarguy.com/
Part 2: • 2002 Cavalier Power St...
This video is part of a series on this 2002 Chevy Cavalier. When this car first showed up it had been in a minor collision, it had slid off the road into a curb. I found a damaged wheel but I also found that it would not drive down the road properly and the steering wheel was way off. I concluded that the power steering rack had been damaged. This is part 1 of the replacement of that broken power steering rack. On a scale of 1-10 I would say the difficulty level of this one is about a 7 so be prepared for a bit of a fight if you need to do this job. In addition to the Cavalier this video should also apply to other GM vehicles of this same size, the Pontiac Sunfire comes to mind as well as the equivalent Buick and Olds offerings.
Here are links to some of the videos referenced in the video.
Collision Inspection: • Inspecting Collision D...
Removing Rusty Fasteners: • How To Remove Rusted o...
Lubing the Chassis: • How To Use A Grease Gu...
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarguy.com/kunena/...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

Пікірлер: 310

@swiften 11 жыл бұрын

these videos make me even more grateful for my 89 B Body. no dismantling half the engine to get to a steering part.

@Barnekkid 11 жыл бұрын

Takes a lot of effort to make a video like this, with moving the camera around and getting all the various shots. Thanks for the hard work.

@honeybear8485 5 жыл бұрын

This is an excellent step by step video do-it-yourselfer appreciate it man how you break everything down simplified from setting the car up locating the parts how to remove them hats off. That's cool too cuz somebody just gave me a 2002 Chevy Cavalier needs rack and pinion and I have all the parts with the car so I'm going to go for it. I sure wish I had a friend like you though ha....

@Eremon1 6 жыл бұрын

Also Eric, you must be the most patient mechanic around. Nice shop space but you still don't use a lift. I can barely stand jacking my own car up let alone doing it daily for work. A patient mechanic is a good mechanic. Cheers.

@MaximillianPraetus 8 жыл бұрын

I just wanted to say thanks for the great video! I had to replace the rack on my wife's Sunfire this weekend and your video was worth a thousand times more than the bloody manual.

@kmcca08 7 жыл бұрын

I seriously don't know how you went as long without a lift. I would've spent every cent I had to get one as soon as I moved into that shop..really happy that you have one now. Love your vids.

@kennybaker3646 5 жыл бұрын

kmcca08 howto replace spark plug wires on a oontiac sun fire S.

@ErlangenRC 11 жыл бұрын

I'm diggin' those black gloves - gives you that automotive assassin look. That rack is no match!!

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

The biggest line wrench I have is 17mm. What I did worked but if I were to do it again I'd use a line wrench or crows foot.

@watcbd 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tip. I’m aware that I’m in for one hell of a journey, and that I may even lose money on a few flips in order to learn. It means a lot when people take time from there day to share their experience with me.

@notserpmale03 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, 2002 Sunfire SE owner here, I thought i'd share this tip here incase anyone needed it. Dropping the subframe actually isn't necessary, once the rack is loose, you can tilt it about 90 degrees backwards into a little "compartment" (connection for steering pointing to the back of the car) from here, push it as far as possible out the passenger side, you should sooner or later be able to pull out the driver's side tie rod end, pull that out through the opening under the car then essentially what you can do is then pull the whole rack and pinion out from under the car.

@youfrancis 9 жыл бұрын

Eric is a saintly person. This isn't the worst procedure I've ever seen a person have to go through...but it's pretty miserable. To this I say: bravo. Bravo indeed good sir.

@zyplex1 11 жыл бұрын

Good job man, lot of work for a car that was pretty much written off.

@-BEASTOR- 11 жыл бұрын

Aww need to wait another week for part 2. I dont even own a car like that, but i so enjoy watching your video's and learn alot.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

No matter what you'll still be draining fluid when you remove the lines from the rack even if you drain the reservoir. It's just a matter of efficiency to drain it at the lines as I did in the video. It saves time and effort. Why make more work for yourself?

@blkthunderbolt 11 жыл бұрын

Eric. I always have found it much easier to gain access to the line fittings after dropping the rear of the subframe. I rarely have to move anything on top.

@youdontwantthesecrumbs3996 4 жыл бұрын

Great thorough vids dude, subbed

@henryreprogle4877 11 жыл бұрын

Your videos are the best found hope you can keep getting more up

@blastbeator 11 жыл бұрын

Steering shaft joints are always a pain to disconnect.. even harder to reconnect. good job eric!

@jameslaws4164 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful video! Make sure you watch both parts I didn't at first and I made a few mistakes that made this job harder than it should have. I changed my rack on a 1998 but this video is the same for it also.

@fatboyshadetree5139 4 жыл бұрын

I know this is an old video but I am doing a similar repair to my 01 sunfire. I found the cavalier and sunfire share alot of parts. My subframe had rusted and started tearing. I am down to the steering rack connections and the steering shaft. I hope I dont have to remove the master cylinder bolts but if you say it makes it easier I think I will try it. I am replacing a lot of stuff on this car to keep it in the family for long time. I have a new subframe, new brake parts, new inner and outer tie rod ends and ball joints. I read that the steering rack can just be unbolted and left in place when I go to pull the subframe. But they also recommend lowering the subframe to get clearance to disconnect those fittings. Just wanted to thank you for the detailed video. I never came across this when i first started the work. Would have made this much easier.

@Robert-zx2df 3 жыл бұрын

Just did this on my 2005 sunfire . A few things to help others. Buy a crow foot flare nut wrench for the fittings . Use a heat gun on that plastic collar to get it back on - slips right on. If you break the outer cross member bolts or the nut inside the frame spins, you can cut an access hole in the floor board from the inside . It sucks but has to be done . I He have inspection cam footage video on my channel showing the issue Go to scrap yard and pull the same bolt from same car to replace . Make sure your rack is centered before putting it into the car , mine wasn't . Took me about 30 hours because of all the issues I had . Good luck , dont start if you need the car with in a week or two

@discodave25138734 11 жыл бұрын

Everyday is a school day Eric! I find that when I come to do an unfamiliar job I tend to strip parts off that don't really need to be taken off. On the plus side, you tend to find out how other bits and pieces come to bits so its never a real waste of time.

@muadeeb 11 жыл бұрын

Watching Eric go though this make me glad I have a pitman/idler arm setup.

@mdiller47591 11 жыл бұрын

Nice TerraLux 300 flashlight. You're the only other person I've seen have one other than myself. Same color and all. Keep up the good job man. I really appreciate your videos.

@elikoronov9658 4 жыл бұрын

your work Helps others!

@solesearched 11 жыл бұрын

Ahhh I hate when you release a two part video and I have to wait for part 2! Giant tease! Lol Keep it up Eric! Love the videos.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

I have answered this question SEVERAL times over on ETCG1. You should check it out.

@poonjaber1122 8 жыл бұрын

I'm really glad u got a camera guy now ur videos went up a level forsure... Good video nonetheless, always entertained by ur vids.liked

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

Indeed there was.

@olenaerhardt7725 3 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking to drop the subframe on one side and about 1" only, since too little clearance to change the Inner Tie rod Boot on the driver side of 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. I changed it on the passenger side, and it was extremely difficult, since practically no space, but it seems like even more tight area on the driver side. In general, I think it is not done normally that way how I did it, it is better to drop the frame on one side a little bit, about 1". Thank you for the film, very informative.

@juanh2096 9 жыл бұрын

dude this is exactly what i needed man i jst needed to know if there was anything connecting the steering rack to the subframe and u showed me tht inside the boot man, great big fakin help man thnksXD

@Russellslayer666 10 жыл бұрын

Did this to my cavalier but watched ur 2 videos and got job done(these videos helped), took it to a mechanic to get it aligned but I still have that whine but it stopped leaking power steering thank you

@MakefoodwithApril 9 жыл бұрын

raise ur front, start the car, turn the steering wheel lock to lock like 20 times. Put the car back down and turn the steering wheel again lock to lock again a few times. Check ur fluid if its foamy, you still got air in the system. Check the level and look for leaks. For me getting the air out of the system stopped the whine i was getting. However your power steering pump may be on its way out if none of the above work. Also make sure the whine is from the steering system.

@Russellslayer666 9 жыл бұрын

Yeah it was the pump cause I replaced it weeks later and whine went away

@Carroll49 11 жыл бұрын

The best tech on YT.

@pyro8818ak47 11 жыл бұрын

ERIC, one thing you should mention in your video or another video is that when you have one side on a stand and you jack the other side up to put a stand, you should watch the stand already under to make sure it dont tip over my nieghbor had his car tip over and the brake rotor landed on his thigh

@THETHINKINGMINDS 7 жыл бұрын

Great videos Eric, thanks. I need your recommendation. After installing new rack and pinion on Subaru legacy 2008, it makes a loud sound as if the muffler is broken, and frong light flashes. Muffler is properly connected. What should I do? Thanks.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

You'd be surprised at how often that's how things work with auto repair. The real professionalism comes in the results and how you sell the job. Keep the customer in the loop and all is good. I know it's easy to judge me, but try being me for a day or any technician for that matter, and I'm sure you'll have a better understanding. BTW there was footage cut that shows what I suspect was wrong with the rack. It's available to Premium Members of my website.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks.

@Cragified 11 жыл бұрын

Lowers package height as well and prevents shorting of terminals out on things like the hood in tight clearances.

@JackTekkel 11 жыл бұрын

Part 2, Part 2, Part 2!!! Can't wait... :D

@mkleij 11 жыл бұрын

I always imagine he can't do the trick within the duration of the video, but he always proves me wrong ;)

@blackprelude1 11 жыл бұрын

Great video man very helpful in all areas

@bposey69 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the air box tip.. I rolled around for 10 minutes looking for a good angle to get at those hoses

@bposey69 3 жыл бұрын

Pipes... Fittings... Whatever you wanna call them

@sjs2657g 11 жыл бұрын

Eric, in a earlier years, those racks were attached with saddle clamps attached with 4 bolts [upper and lower] and bushings. Alignment and tightening of those bolts was a real PITA. The Power Steering lines could be loosened and tightened by crowfoot flare wrenches from the right side.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

No I'm afraid I don't. I just know it works for the most part and that's good enough for me.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

You're right I don't. Thanks for the additional information though.

@mohamedgamaleldien4216 Жыл бұрын

what a good days my master!!

@michaelking14 10 жыл бұрын

great video, replacing the rack in my 2002 cav rotted thru started leaking bad, in the process of removing old rack at the moment, running into issues though, the lines going into the rack are stuck, I got the fitting loose but it seems to be stuck on the line... is this the same issue you had and used to air chisel to knock it off? or was that to get the fitting loose from the rack? it doesn't help that its such a tight space... very helpful video though thanks.

@noemipr2009 11 жыл бұрын

you are great ERIC.

@garryb.1334 6 жыл бұрын

what could enable a 02 cavalier to let the front driver side tire press all the way back into the wheel well with an outward angle and the front passenger tire to run on the front of the wheel well? is this the issue this person was having? a local shop said it's a rusted frame and to scrap it.... albeit without looking at it.

@fat49782 11 жыл бұрын

hey eric, I did a quick search and didn't see anything on your channel.. I was wondering If you could do a video sometime about how to do a tune up on a newer car or truck? important things to check/replace ect... thanks!

@Ducking_Fustin 10 жыл бұрын

Unbolted everything and I'm ready to pull the rack out but for some reason my rack is stuck onthe bushing that he ends up taking out after he takes out the rack. It must be rusted or something because it won't break free on one side and I don't want to damage it. Any ideas?

@thybain 11 жыл бұрын

Great video, that top engine cradle bolt isn't damaged thats how its made. Its also discontinued so you cant order from a gm. I just replaced my engine cradle and control arms on my Sunfire.

@IrnMaiden304 10 жыл бұрын

Question, turning left is no problem but cutting back to the right is a little harder. You can feel pulsing in the steering wheel like its trying to fight back to the left. Most likely the rack is bad but i just wanted a second opinion. The car in question is a 92 storm GSI and both the pump and rack are expensive for this type of car. Thnks eric

@XxBulletEaterxX 11 жыл бұрын

Yes it's common. There are also ones with the two terminals on top.

@willg420 8 жыл бұрын

is it easier to just drop the sub-frame to change the rack? i gotta change mine and that is what im dreading doing lol

@SweetHere111 11 жыл бұрын

Can you recommend an impact wrench and compressor brand/model that would be good for a DIY'er? Thank you for your time either way. You inspire me to fix my rusting shit-heap.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

Because the car is being fixed to be sold. The kid got a new car out of it.

@The90sAreRad 11 жыл бұрын

Could you do a fuel pressure regulator replacement type video?

@adriansrealm 11 жыл бұрын

And if anyone is wondering pilot points align themselves so they are easier to get started. Especially when the two holes are not properly aligned at first.

@pepene93 11 жыл бұрын

thats one of the batteries preferred by gm. its a 75 size. they also have a wider version for some of their bigger trucks called the 78. they can be a pain at times, but i prefer them overall

@fuckingkidsthesedays 11 жыл бұрын

those codes are used in new cars in australia, fe2 is in all the higher models

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

That's hard to say because videotaping it takes up a BUNCH of time. I'd say if I were just doing the rack and not shooting it about 2 hours. Taping it took about 5.

@freilansequeira3666 8 жыл бұрын

Hi Eric I was wondering about Replacing a PCV valve I dont know if you could help me on it please

@balloney2175 2 жыл бұрын

My car Honda Civic DX 97 Coupe had collision recently. The body frame on the front end shifted an inch to the right. (I hit a car while I was on the right of way cuz it is green light, and a car took chances of turning left on a one-lane road, and that I hit him). The passenger side is lower by one-and-5/16 inch compared to the drive side. Can this be balanced?

@margolo 11 жыл бұрын

An example would be the '90s Pontiac Grand Am, which has the battery at the front nose of the car and with the top terminal style batteries the hood could ground out on it. It happened to my 1970 Buick Skylark once and the underside of the hood actually caught fire.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

I mostly only see that on GM's which is probably why you don't see them in Europe. I know you have a version of GM there but it's far removed from what we have it seems. I think the reason they did it that way was to prevent corrosion of the terminals. It fails miserably at that BTW. Also, it's easy to cross thread the terminals and create a loose connection. Personally, I'm not a fan.

@72sarge 11 жыл бұрын

helpful hint ( unless you knew this ) on bolts/ nuts/ fittings that havent moved since put in service, give it a quick tightening 1/8th turn to loosen build up rust. works on busses.

@z1r000 11 жыл бұрын

Everytime i check your channel I see things what i need to do in college :] Not sure if related or not :P Keep up the good work

@anthonydeandre6808 3 жыл бұрын

Dunno if you guys cares but if you're bored like me atm then you can stream all of the new movies and series on Instaflixxer. I've been streaming with my gf for the last days xD

@eddiecorbin2773 3 жыл бұрын

@Anthony Deandre Definitely, I've been watching on instaflixxer for months myself =)

@julioreginald3836 3 жыл бұрын

@Anthony Deandre Yup, have been watching on instaflixxer for since november myself =)

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

Friday.

@helloitsme4139 2 жыл бұрын

Watching this almost 10 year later, doing this exact job, yeah not gonna disturb those old brake lines, imma go from underneath, lol

@rhkips 11 жыл бұрын

The "missing" threads on GM chassis bolts are (usually) by design. It allows you to use the bolt as an alignment tool to wiggle and pry the part into place without any negative effect on the bolt itself, and not have to do the funky shuffle between a pilot tool and the bolt that needs to go in its place. Just make sure once the bolt is seated, to turn it backwards until you feel it catch before running it down, otherwise it may crossthread. :-)

@JuanHernandez-uk3so 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video

@raybenoit5238 8 жыл бұрын

hey car guy,what kind of gloves are u using?

@michaelking14 10 жыл бұрын

couldn't figure out how to get it done with such a tight space.. decided to take the hoses off up top, and try droping the subframe enough to take all it out of course the LAST bolt holding up subframe snapped off.. great.. more work

@prospector7777 6 жыл бұрын

Those have that worry.

@mgman71 11 жыл бұрын

I think that bolt with the funny threads is correct, used as a pilot for assembly... but could be mistaken..

@joeh.3010 11 жыл бұрын

Eric, have you thought about getting a above ground hoist?

@DeusEx_Machina 11 жыл бұрын

I wonder if in the effort to make cars more compact makes for having to remove more non problem parts to get to the problem parts, thus making repair times longer/harder, and hence more expensive?

@Seegalgalguntijak 11 жыл бұрын

The GM's you're referring to are the German Opels (sold as that in the rest of Europe, as Vauxhall in GB and as Holden in AUS). They don't have battery terminals on the side either, and while GM takes a lot of good German engineering from the Opel engineers, they didn't seem to have adapted this to their own products. The Saturn Astra by the way is one of those, it was basically an H-model Opel Astra (produced from 2004-2010). So if you want German engineering at a good price, that's it! ;)

@vpavi 11 жыл бұрын

TNX Eric

@Armus769 11 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric, the side battery terminals on GM vehicles are 5/16".

@adriansrealm 11 жыл бұрын

Eric the bolts with the weird threads are called pilot point bolts.

@swiften 11 жыл бұрын

what about the sunbird? the old name for the sunfire? werent they built off early cavelier lines too?

@MegaBEAST73 11 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric, I went off the road towards the end of January. Because really icy roads. I went sideways into a snow pack ditch. And really since then there has been a terrible road noise. It doesn't seem to be tierod ends or lower ball joints. But I don't know what could be.whenever I turn it gets worst, or driving straight.sounds like a wahwahwah/ hum. Usually it's really noticeable at speeds over 40 mph. Also, when I it the gas. It makes a loud clicking sound. Its for 99' escort zx2 . Any ideas?

@epiphaknee 11 жыл бұрын

With a GM vehicle you can always call the Parts Dept. at a dealer and provide your VIN number and then they will have the correct part. You ask for the part number and then provide that to your parts supplier. Using the RPO code works too. There are many excellent RPO code decoders on the Internet which will define your codes for you. Some owners may want to replace their 3 lock to lock rack with a 2 1/2 L:L rack for tighter turning. Check the forums on Cavaliers to verify. New air gun?

@WiseWik 11 жыл бұрын

you know you're a petrolhead when a half hour long repair video flies by like 5 mins.

@edgarzavala1436 3 жыл бұрын

Hey eric, hope you see this message on a 7yr old video. What was the torque spec on the subframe bolts?

@marksponge9852 11 жыл бұрын

How i remember why i stick to pre 1978 vehicles ....sorry you had to go through that....

@Marine052191 11 жыл бұрын

I was in an accident that snapped my rack too, got it replaced. Runs good, but now my shocks are all blown. So, i'm going to call insurance since they totally ignored that, if they cant. Gettin my hands dirty. 93 mustang based off of McPherson's design. Going to buy the shock/strut kit from KYB....

@johnpalma7265 2 жыл бұрын

Good job.

@Eastahtata 11 жыл бұрын

I would say it's sometimes best not to know too much about GM

@Roushfan5 11 жыл бұрын

Is there a reason why the sport suspension would turn fewer times then the normal suspension?

@bryonschulz5987 8 жыл бұрын

Do you have a video of the pontiac sunfire rack and pinion replacement?

@EPereda1995 7 жыл бұрын

what year is it? 2003-2004 cavalier matches a 99 sunfire in most parts?

@ratmphan 11 жыл бұрын

Eric, you sure do know your stuff about GM, they love re-badgeing EVERYTHING, which can be good and bad. But you were correct that Pontiac's Cavalier was the Sunfire. Also Oldsmobile didn't have their own version of this car, around this time at least, but the Oldsmobile Alero (also a compact car, on a different frame) had a couple of the same motors.

@Seegalgalguntijak 11 жыл бұрын

The part where you disconnected the linkage to the steering wheel wasn't filmed?

@DementedButtHole 11 жыл бұрын

27:29 Yay! Eric delivered a power steering rack! XD XD

@k24oreo84 4 ай бұрын

I got a 2004 chevy cavalier yoi think its the same process i dont think they changed much on the mechanicals just in the esthetics

@1991tommygun 11 жыл бұрын

Sport suspension,? You can put any sunfire/cavalier parts on either car

@pinsetternut 11 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric Do you know what the foot pounds of torque is on your air in pack .. Seems to have some serious power.. My mac is like 700 to 800 ft pounds

@vollan21 11 жыл бұрын

hey eric i have a 2002 the tcc is out and need to change it.do i have to drop the motor and tranny to get to it.

@ericthecarguy 11 жыл бұрын

I don't do a sufficient volume of work to justify a lift and I would also need to redo the electric at the shop to accommodate one. So it's not just the cost of the lift but also the cost to rewire the shop that needs to be considered. I honestly don't mind working without a lift, it bothers my viewers much more than it does me. I'd rather spend money on new cameras and a new computer to edit with.