I have a 2001 Bonneville SSei and I was informed yesterday that I need to change the power steering pump, rack and pinion and return hose. I noticed a very large leak on the floor in my garage early in the morning and it appeared to be power steering fluid that was leaking on the cv axle boot.

This is the 2nd time I am having the power steering pump changed and it is being replaced under the existing warranty from the last replacement. However, how hard is it to replace the rack and pinion and are there any detailed instructions out here as to how to do it and what tools are needed?

Is there anything else that should be replaced while doing the rack and pinion as well? This car has 64,000 miles and it seems early to be replacing the rack and pinion on this car.......

Appreciate all the help I can get!!

TTERZ

While anything can go bad, it does seem early. However if the pump failed and pushed metal chunks into it.. that would explain it.

Overall it'* unbolt the tie rods from the knuckles, undo the power steering lines. Anchor the steering wheel (clock spring potential damage) and then unhook the steering column from the rack, remove the PS lines at that rack, two bolts holding the rack to the frame and it slides out the side.

Is there a tool that is used to hold the steering wheel steady and are there any other items that I should watch for or change while completing this work?

There probably is a tool. But I'd probably use a bungg cord or something tothe brake pedal. You want to make sure it doesn't turn to screw up the clock spring. Mostly keep it striaght.

When I removed the steering shaft for lubing, the steering wheel stayed locked in place with the normal "ignition key off" lock.