Replacing a Subframe and PS Rack 1999 Pontiac Grand Am

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Replacing a Subframe and PS Rack 1999 Pontiac Grand Am - EricTheCarGuy

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Күн бұрын

Replacing a Subframe and PS Rack 1999 Pontiac Grand Am - EricTheCarGuy
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I pulled this one out of the past from about a year ago. The rack had broken loose from this sub frame and as a result the rack AND the subframe needed to be replaced. I hated the lighting in this but at least it gives a good overview of the process.
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Пікірлер: 188

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@hp11208 You get repair videos every Monday and the FATR on Friday and sometimes a video on Wednesday not to mention ETCG1, before I would post a video like maybe once every 2 weeks so I would say that I'm posting more videos than ever. I am tired however as I have a lot going on right now with the move and all. I do appreciate your concern and your comment so don't get me wrong on this one.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@spelunkerd Actually most of the new cars out there have a subframe assembly similar to this one from what I've seen, makes for easy assembly at the plant, they just bring engine, trans, and the suspension up from under the car bolt it on and their done. I offered to have it welded but the customer wanted a new unit installed. Moving into the new shop this week and I'll be posting updates along the way. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Michiganborn1969 I'm glad I could give you insight into new things as that is my job after all. Thanks again for your comments.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@TheGetawayer Thank you! It's really not rocket science since I'm able to do it. :) Thanks as always for your comments.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@andrewbthomson Especially on an uneven one. I won't have a lift right away but the prospect of having one is very exciting. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Mopardude I'm confused on that myself if I'm honest but I'm with you that most people know what you are talking about. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Collins328 That's actually been suggested a few times and I think it's a great idea but on this car I think the PS pump was toast so no amount of bleeding was going to help it. Thanks very much for your input and comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@klfer That's an awesome idea but to be honest I think the PS pump on this car was smoked so no amount of bleeding was going to help it. Thanks for your input and comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@killman1971 Thanks for the tips but I already scrapped the old frame as I did this job last year. Thanks again for your comment and tips.

@mrincredible5492 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you Eric was having a hard time reinstalling my subframe back. Did it the same way you did both jacks and some blocks took my time bam bolts started to line up. I ended up dropping trans cause i thought my flexplate cracked. Installed new one after saw old 1 was fine smh. So i took my time spray painted the trans brilliant silver. Come the find out it was the darn hormonic balancer!! Overlooked it but it has rubber missing all around it grrr. It was knocking at idle then stopped after some rpms. 3800 series 2 187k. Go jo my best friend

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@MrFer5900 I'm happy to help. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@brakedd Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@PWRSTR0KER2008 That sucks. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@Bryanx89 Excellent suggestion as I've seen stuff like that a time or 2 myself. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@flashdkr You aren't alone it seems a lot of people don't like this car. Thanks for the comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@CimiF Hence the reason I said that no matter what your going to need an alignment in the video for that very reason, counting the threads gets you close but often not close enough.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@TophatOSx86 Your the first person to have a positive comment about this car, well done.

@thor9hammer 13 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy . Yep. Its just like you said in your video. That one I think is called an "N" series and Chevy Malibu, Oldsmobile Alero, Pontiac Grand Am are all almost identical from the underside, to engine and components to the window regulators. Thanks for the video. Great work.

@klfer 13 жыл бұрын

i have a little trick i use to get all the air out. i made a tool that goes on the end of my vacuum bleeder. its just a big flat shock bushing that has a air nipple threw it and set it on top of the PS pump and the suction keeps it on and turn the wheels lock to lock this has worked awesome for me. usually never get come backs due to noise.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Dicofole I think you can use whatever you want, to be honest I don't have much experience with that so you'll have to let me know how it works out for you. I do however sometimes use anti-sieze on exhaust bolts to make for easier removal in the future and it has worked.

@Collins328 13 жыл бұрын

Hey, just a quick idea. Not sure how you like to bleed power steering systems, but when I started out, I worked at a dealership with multiple makes, and the Pontiac guys told me they always use a vacuum pump to bleed the system. Just take the stiff suction cup adapter and put it over the reservoir opening and vacuum it down, with the engine running, to about 15 or 20 inches. Let it whine and sound like complete crap for about 15 seconds... then release vacuum... and you are golden.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@sparkplug1018 You don't need to remove the subframe to replace the rack, I did in this video because of the damage to the subframe but it's not something you should need to do. I think the Bonneville is similar to this design but I'm not completely sure. Good luck.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@fatrat440 I had the same thought when I spoke to the people at the salvage yard but they assured me that it was referred to as a "K" frame but I'm not sure why, perhaps it's the model designation GM uses for this body type. Thanks for your input and comment.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@clicata00 I live in the US and this video was shot last year but I just edited it last weekend.

@fatrat440 13 жыл бұрын

K-frame is usually a term us Mopar guys use, as the sub-frame on the older Chryslers is shaped like the letter K. Not that it can't be used on GM products to describe the sub-frame. I hope this is not a common problem on this GM platform. I know quite a few people who drive these cars. Thanks for the video.

@CimiF 13 жыл бұрын

I removed both inner and outer tie rod ends from my car and used the "counting rounds" -method to add new tierod ends. Couple weeks later I noticed that my front tires were smooth on the other sides. I've been told that you need to be quite lucky if you are to get the exactly right angles to your front tires. Otherwise the tires will wear off and fast!

@joshuastipkovich8425 9 жыл бұрын

Keep in mind, you have to turn it the same direction the engine would turn it with the belt attached, and you'll still turn it lock to lock about 10 times slowly with the key on(engine not running) but in my experience that's the best way. I'm about to do one this weekend, and I was researching for the location of the rack. Thanks to you, I'll just pull the subframe!! Love your videos bro, keep it up!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@FrenchValleyAirport When you do that the pump is maxed out and sometimes it makes noise as it is applying a lot of force at that point because your wheel is at full lock and physically can't turn anymore.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@GammaCruxis I've actually worked at a new car dealer for years so it's not that i'm not familiar but for the most part new cars are covered under warranty and they don't show up at the shop as a result.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@myadler Nope, I'd still have to get the old one out and the new one in, this way I skipped the time to weld it. BTW there is no way to get a welder in there if that's what you were thinking. I did suggest having it welded but the person that owned the car chose to replace it.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@narcoti Timing chains don't normally have a replacement interval but timing BELTS do. I actually have a couple of timing belt videos available from the ETCG website.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@KlasykaPolskiegoHH I understand now, I thought you were insinuating that I was going through unnecessary steps to remove the PS rack. You would be surprised at how many comments I get from people that haven't even watched the video. Thanks for the clarification.

@1life1loveforyou 8 жыл бұрын

To prime Power steering after parts replacement you lift the front tires off the ground, disconnect the two wire assemblies that are connected to the ignition coils, then with one hand holding the key to start position and one hand on the steering wheel you rotate the steering wheel so the tires are turned to one stop then the other stop about twice while the engine is being cranked over, then stop. check your fluid level and add as needed. Then wait several minutes and check to see if there are no more bubbles, you might have too repeat. Don't forget to plug the electrical wires back into the coil. you should be done at this point.

@killman1971 13 жыл бұрын

The last GA was the GMX-130 final N-body which was used for the 97-03 Malibu, 04-05 Chevy Classic, Olds Alero and the final 97-99 Cutlass. Many parts will interchange but some items for changed in middle of production (airbags, ignition switch, radios). Usually R & P problems were common with either new or high mileage but rust problems seem to be worse on earlier cars. P.S. Save the aluminum control arms next time or reuse them. They are not made anymore and fetch some money on Ebay.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@GalitUnggoy Honestly I don't remember, I thought I covered that in the video but I shot this one a long time ago.

@66labatt 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric, I thought my 98 malibu was finished all because of those stupid flimsy rack mounting spots on the sub frame..This is my 3rd malibu, 2nd 98 that had the same thing happen with my drivers side mount as well. So I junked it and bought another one just to have the same thing happen within 6 months after buying it. So Now I thought I was screwed so after weeks of thinking now I was going to try the sub frame change, but I wasn't sure if I should junk this malibu too.. but with your Video/Knowledge I'm now able to do the job and save this car! Thank You Very Much Your Awesome Dude!!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@BAXMAN68 I did use that bleeding technique but I think this car was having a problem with the PS pump. In fact the people at the salvage yard said this happens all the time, must have been a bad run of them or something.

@BAXMAN68 13 жыл бұрын

Great video. I have to admit that wit all the years that I have been working in a GM shop (18 years) I have never seen a cradle break like that, or a rack for that matter. Were the rim bead surfaces beat up from pot hole jumping? As far as the power steering bleeding goes: with the engine off and the p.s. fluid full, turn the steering wheel from stop to stop about 20 times and then start the vehicle. MOST if not all of the air should be ourged from the system

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@moofushu Actually no, if you see air in the PS system it usually means an air leak or other problem somewhere in the system.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@orbiter8 From what I'm told yes and they use this sub frame on a LOT of cars not just Pontiac.

@MrFer5900 13 жыл бұрын

Eric I want to say you are a Genius! I will need to do my suspension some time in the near future (when I have money). I was thinking about painting the nut on the tie rod, but I was having trouble with this idea because wouldn't the paint come off when you begine to twist? But once I say you count the tread valleys I said to myself, Eric your a Genius! I guess looking back it looks obvious, but now I have a perfect answer to this problem. Thanx man. Love your videos!

@AZTechLabs 10 жыл бұрын

I just did my Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8. I did not have to lower the sub frame. At first I thought I might but didn't. There is a clip in the middle of the rack that holds the lines. I used a long screw driver to pry it off (snaps on). Rotated the entire rack forward and i came right out. PM if you need more help.

@GKDCGgreg 8 жыл бұрын

please help I don't want to drop my subfram just to get my ps rack out

@davidmorland5687 7 жыл бұрын

what was your reasoning foe swapping it out i just bought a 99 gt steering is really sloppy. Thanks

@shawnpa 6 жыл бұрын

David Morland I saw a rack problem from a 98 GM. The car wouldn't turn left. I read that racks in those cars had issues.

@billsprague9783 8 жыл бұрын

I feel this was a very good video on replaceing the sub frame, (K frame), I found this video very easy to understand when he was explaining what he was doing and showing us. Thank you

@brakedd 13 жыл бұрын

Awesome video Eric, thanks. I knew nothing about R&P systems until I watched this video.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@tbskirk From what I hear this is a common problem with this subframe and based on what I saw I'm not surprised.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Dicofole It's really best to take it to someone with the proper machine to perform alignments.

@spelunkerd 13 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy So, if you have a bad engine on a new vehicle, and access to a lift, is it sometimes better to take the engine out from below?

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@KlasykaPolskiegoHH What do you do if the mounts for the rack are broken like the one in this video?

@spelunkerd 13 жыл бұрын

Man, Eric, I can count on you to show me something I've never seen before. Do most vehicles have a sub-frame that comes off like that? I am surprised you were so confident the bolt holes from a different car would line up the way they did. It was made of steel, wasn't it? Being old school, I prolly would have welded a new bracket for the steering and put the old sub-frame back on. Cheers, and I hope the new shop is treating you nice.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@mts0628 I wouldn't use it for a timing belt as it would be hard to work around but I got it at Harbor Freight believe it or not and it wasn't that expensive.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@monono954 Yea I've been beat up by a few cars myself in my time. I like to walk away for a bit if I run into too much trouble and just collect myself before I get started on the work again, you might be surprised at what 10min away can do. Good luck.

@BuckChoklitt 13 жыл бұрын

@myadler I believe racks are made of aluminum. I think it'd be kind of hard to get a decent TIG weld (IF he had a TIG welder or a MIG set up to do aluminum) on the rack with it being on the car. If you're taking the rack off to weld it, you might as well change it.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@HighDefGamer03 Indeed it would and perhaps one day I will get one in the new shop, I'm trying to stay on Santa's 'nice' list.

@StratusCams 13 жыл бұрын

@CimiF Agree 100% If you are out of toe angle spec. Toe will EAT tires, and feather them and just kill even a new tire real quick.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@meanmopar426 Excellent comment, thank you for the info.

@Halljand 8 жыл бұрын

How do you know if a subframe needs to be replaced? I was told by a shop that it had a "crack" in it, but was fine and didn't need replaced. He showed me the crack, which to me just looked like a small chunk out of the very top part that is immediately below the PS rack. 2002 Cavalier 2DR 2.2l OHV Automatic. They basically said I would be fine for a couple of years but to just keep it in mind if I kept the car longer than that?

@eveningteleportation Жыл бұрын

One of the brackets mounting the rack to the subframe has broken loose on my 04 grand am. It looks like the subframe may be rusted/too thin to weld to. However, I see an open bolt hole on the back of the transmission adjacent (about two inches away) from where it was mounted to the subframe. I was thinking about possibly fabricating a simple bracket and mounting the rack to that open hole. Could this be a feasible solution?

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@PAS4life527 It goes by many names I'm sure but I call it a 'load brace' or 'engine brace'.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@skaterboy520c I know this, hence the reason that I'm moving to another facility with better lighting.

@siemenstraffic 13 жыл бұрын

You never stop amazing me, Eric! Just another great video! Keep up the good work!

@grimbean4787 10 жыл бұрын

Hey eric! loved the video it did helped me out a lot but I still have a problem. The thing is that I have a Pontiac grand am 2005, I've looked everywhere for instructions on how to take off the PS rack because the problem is exactly the same, the welds snapped and the whole rack is moving, well my question is: is this process the same for a 05 model?

@tinydx95t2 13 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the engine cradle support.I never seen one at Harbor Freight. I'd like to get one though. Great video and thanks for sharing it.Hope the shop move is going well.

@tinydx95t2 13 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy I'm going to look because you never know when you need one.These newer cars if you don't have one you can't do some things. they are worth their weight in gold.

@JoseRios-lr7ef 8 жыл бұрын

thank you very much, much info , one question if I'm just replacing the rack and pinion do I need to drop the subframe?

@Michiganborn1969 13 жыл бұрын

Wow. Did the owner of this Pontiac have to tow the car to you or did he/she get crazy to try & drive it to your shop? Great video as always Eric.

@GammaCruxis 13 жыл бұрын

Well done video as always. Keep it up! I've wanted to ask, you seem to work on older vehicles. Is that your thing, or has the complexity of modern vehicles made you apprehensive? This isn't a jab at you by any means - you're clearly talented and knowledgable. I just know a few people in your position that won't go near a newer car for this very reason - myself included. As always - keep turning wrenches and I'll keep watching.

@monono954 13 жыл бұрын

OMG I'm working on the SAME car! I hate it!!!! I had to replace the lower intake manifold gasket. In the process, the rocker arm threading stripped while I was tightening it with my fingers. I helicoiled the head and the bolt broke. I went ahead and took the head out, got one out, and broke three sockets trying to take the other one out. While I was taking off the downpipe to get the head out, the bolts off the downpipe broke. FML. I hate this car sooooo much!!!

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@tinydx95t2 That's where I got mine and it works pretty good for how much I use it.

@Dicofol1 13 жыл бұрын

Always fun and informative to watch your videos. I was wondering if I use Stainless Steel bolts for my exhaust system would it work just fine ? I heard about galling and seizing with Stainless Steel bolts is this true ? If I use a stainless steel bolt with a stainless lock washer and a brass nut would that work better ? Do you ever use anti-seize compound on your exhaust bolts ? Thanks again for all you do for us!

@masonkrzeminski 12 жыл бұрын

dawm eric your like the mechanic god. if i could choose who could work on my car i would pay you big. only you cause your the man :). ive learned so much from your videos. thanks

@Halosapian 12 жыл бұрын

First time I've ever seen a music layover in one of your videos.

@moofushu 13 жыл бұрын

So if you see bubbles in the power steering reservoir that means the there is a leak in the systems? Or is it normal for the power steering pump to make a few bubbles as normal operation? What does an air leak do to the system over time?

@JLuck316 12 жыл бұрын

How long does it usually take for a Subframe/Engine Cradle replacement to be done? I have a 2002 Chevy Monte Carlos SS that needs a replacement asap. How much does it usually cost, also? Please answer these questions as soon as possible.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@karkraz It sure is, good eye.

@MrBawston 13 жыл бұрын

Try replacing the subframes under warranty as a recall on a hyundai oh joy. I actually got one on my lift for tomorrow

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@Michiganborn1969 They don't live that far away.

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@Halosapian There's a couple out there, I try to avoid the YT cops for the most part and only use stuff that isn't copyrighted or nothing at all.

@tunerforlife2274 8 жыл бұрын

this same method can i work on my pontiac sunfire and do i have to have something holding my engine and im doing the same thing to my pontiac but my question is will i have to told my engine with some thing else before going or droping the whole thing down if u can help plz im just was to know before i do anything with that and before i do a mistake that can cost me tons of money that i really dont have ????

@GalitUnggoy 12 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy Okay I got her all figured out. I'm trying to brace up the 4 cyl 2.4l engine, but I noticed that there are no engine hooks! How did they get that engine in there? Do I just chain up to the engine mounts instead?

@Gremlin85 13 жыл бұрын

A good one. Brings me back to when I had to drop that subframe out of my 1991 Lumina Z34 to do the timing belt. Oh god what a nightmare! You ever do a tipping belt on those 3.4 DOHC motors in the Lumina Z34 or Monte Carlo Z34, Eric?

@tbskirk 13 жыл бұрын

How does something like this happen ? Did the driver of the car get into an accident ? Or mabey rust caused this damage ?

@geraldbaker42 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video....I just got a job on a 97 cavalier with a rusted out subframe...not very happy.

@NAMULTISS 12 жыл бұрын

Hello. I have a 2001 maxima SE auto. My lines on the rack rusted away and the dealer says they discontinued the tube assembly for that model? I'm wondering if I can replace those lines one the rack with just brake lines or a gas line. And if so do I have To drop the subframe or do i have to replace the rack? I'm not sure if my pressure line is also leaking. Please help.

@FrenchValleyAirport 13 жыл бұрын

@EricTheCarGuy so is that bad for the power steering motor? or it just makes fluid rush through faster? ?

@kungunganga4903 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a common problem..my 2000 grand am just had that weld break off from the passanger side..

@ericthecarguy 12 жыл бұрын

@GalitUnggoy I'm not familiar with that set up so I couldn't say. Sorry.

@newfieledman9164 5 жыл бұрын

2004 grand am Sloppy steering column and everything is all good but can it be the steering knuckle or the universal joint and could the be adjusted

@adriansrealm 12 жыл бұрын

Eric, can you use a walking mic with your camera setup? It would improve the sound quality of talking to the camera during long shots.

@silent_insanity3631 8 жыл бұрын

I recently discovered some bad subframe rot on my 2000 dodge neon and am wondering, how much would it cost for a shop to replace a subframe as I can not do it myself. Thank you

@armsbyfit4505 Жыл бұрын

This has happened to my VW T4 tdi, subframe broke and now the steering doesnt turn the wheels. Very sad. Not too sure how something like that happens really.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@480789 Trust me if one of those comes in I'll be all over it. Thanks for your input.

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@MrBawston That does sound like fun and not getting paid is even better. :)

@ericthecarguy 13 жыл бұрын

@spazzman2323 The windows don't work on this one either. :)

@ncrdisabled 13 жыл бұрын

Where did you get that holder from and how much did it cost. I may buy one if its not to much money as the book for my 1991 toyota camry dx to replace the cv axle as the book sad pull the engine up 4 inches to get the axle out. Thanks

@xXTECHxKNIGHTXx 7 жыл бұрын

So I'm going to be working on a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero, has a busted subframe and streeting rack, would welding the subframe back together be a good idea until I can get one? The guy I'm doing the job for only needs the car for a short time till he gets a new car.

@MrJsowa 13 жыл бұрын

@monono954 sounds like they couldve used some heating before breakin em loose(just a suggestion)but i ve been there before on my t bird any bolt on the underside breaks right off,so i just fab up new mounting options,and love my birdy even more.best of luck gettin you job done tho

@clucaskn2 10 жыл бұрын

I changed out my power sterring pump twice because of the whining noise. The last time i changed it i pored the fluid in but had ran out but i had a stops power steering leaks bottle in the garage that supposedly had honey after i pored just a little that noise went away. I think it condition everything inside making the noise go away.