I need to replace the rack and pinion on my car. How to I remove the old one?

Hi Daniel,here's a link on how to do your rack and pinion. Repair Guides Steering Power Steering Rack And Pinion AutoZone com

remove the left and right tie rod ends from the from the pivot arms , remove power steering oil lines, remove steering wheel shaft to rack pinion clamp, with wheels in straight ahead position remove rack hold down fittings, slide pinion off steering shaft and remove rack.

Hi Eric,here's a Autozone repair guide on fixing your rack and pinion. Repair Guides Power Rack Pinion Steering Gear Removal Installation...

Are you referring to the rack and pinion steering assembly? If so, repairing or rebuilding this unit requires very specialized tools. Even auto repair shops do not fix these. We simply remove the defective unit and replace it with another good complete unit.
If you are asking how to replace this unit, that also requires special tools to remove the tie rods. You must also be very careful and know what you are doing or you can ruin the clock spring for the driver's side airbag. The shaft for the steering column is "phased" to the shaft on the pinion gear. You must be sure to keep the steering column and the new rack & pinion assembly in phase or you can do more damage to your truck. You will also need to take the truck to a shop for a front end alignment after you are done. If you think that you have the skills to handle this job, I would suggest you watch the videos I've linked. FYI, it will take a skilled mechanic with all the proper tools over 4 hours to do this job.
Rack Pinion power Steering Rack and pinion Replacement ford explorer part 1

There are few help links showing exact accurate procedure to replace Rack and Pinion. Click the link below and follow the procedure:-----
Pinion Seal Replace on Dodge Dakota? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/04/pinion-seal-replace-on-dodge-dakota.html

-----------

How to Replace a Rear Pinion Seal.
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-rear-pinion-seal.html
------------

How to replace Power steering rack and pinion gear on Chevy Silverado 2500 HD? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-power-steering-rack-and.html

----------
How to replace Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on Acura Car Models? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html

-----------
How to replace power rack and pinion steering gear on Toyota cruiser? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html

----------

How to replace Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on Acura Car Models? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html


------------
Front Drive Pinion Seal Removal on Ford Explorer? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/front-drive-pinion-seal-removal-on-ford.html

-------------
How to Replace Driveshaft, Pinion Flange & Seal?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-driveshaft-pinion-flange.html

------------

How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear On 2007 Ford Taurus? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html


----------
How to Remove Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Ford Windstar? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-remove-power-rack-pinion.html

-----------

Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear replacing details for Buick Park Avenue and Pontiac Bonneville

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear.html

-------------

How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Mercedes Benz Truck? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html


---------
How to replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Toyota 4Runner? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion_27.html

-----------

Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Replacing on Toyota Land Cruiser & Sequoia? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear.html

----------
Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Removal on Toyota RAV4? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear-removal.html

----------
How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Toyota Sienna? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html

------------
These details will help.
Thanks.

Hi Gunny, If your vehicle is fitted with rack and pinion steering also check the rack ends for play. The rack ends are the rods which the tie rod ends screw onto. The other end fits onto the rack of the rack and pinion. To work on those you will need to remove the rubber boots and loosen the locking washer, they can then be loosened with a wrench. If they are worn the play will be evident in the steering. When replacing them also replace the rubber boots. If the boots are worn and road grime and dust enters, you will see leakage from the rack and pinion in the near future. I always thought the Dakota was fitted with a steering box? Regards John

Hi, Aillathu,
The rack and pinion unit fits across from left to right....It is fitted onto the cross member....The pinion is fitted into the housing at almost right angles to the rack....The rack and pinion is a very positive steeling method, giving excellent response and usually good road feel....The unit consists of the rack which is fitted into the housing and joins the left and right wheels....and the pinion at more or less right angles to the rack...A leakage usually indicates worn oil seals which become damaged when a protective boots is broken....(The protective covers fitting onto the end of the rack housing)....The pinion is the part which attaches to the Steering column and the steering wheel....
If you're intending to do this job yourself, remember to pin punch 'match marks' onto the steering wheel and the top of the column before removing the nut. Next disconnect the steering fluid lines and drain the fluid into a container....(Don't forget to use goggles)
Jack the vehicle up and remove the front wheels....Turn the steering so that the tie rod ends can be loosened and removed from the housings (this will require a taper loosening tool)....removing them can also be achieved with a large hammer, but this method is not recommended!....Set the steering at straight ahead....Remove the joint attaching the pinion to the steering column....Once removed loosen the saddles holding the assembly onto the cross member and remove from the vehicle. Replacement of the seals is not as easy as removing the unit from the car, as the job requires special adjustments made to the unit and a very clean working area. Before you do this job please make sure that the leakage is from the rack and pinion and not on one of the hoses....
Regards Johngee10

You have to drop the rear subframe down to remove the rack and pinion

as far as removing steering from rack youll need repair manual for your car. bolts, drill a hole in middle of bolts and pound proper size E-Z out into hole. turn ezout to left to remove. good luck.

If it is hard to turn it could be the fluid is low. If you can't turn the steering wheel go underneath the lower rack and pinion right were the steering shaft bolts to the rack and pinion there should be a round silver cap looks like a plug if that cap is missing the pinion bearings are broken and the rack and pinion are locked up replace your rack and pinion