alright guys just started to have rack and pinion issues... mine is leaking like a mother fu#$%r and I know shop rates will rape me. is there a way to do this myself?

here is the procedure see if it seems like something you want to do;

Make sure the wheels of the vehicle are straight ahead and the steering column in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Failure to do so will cause the coil assembly in the steering column to become uncentered which will cause damage to the coil assembly.

Lock the steering column by installing the Steering Column Anti Rotation Pin tool J 42640 into the underside of the steering column.

Disconnect negative battery cable.

Remove or disconnect the following:
CAUTION
Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury.



Front wheels

Power steering gear heat shield




Intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt

Intermediate shaft from the power steering gear

Outer tie rod retaining nuts

Outer tie rod from the steering knuckles

Variable effort steering electrical connector from the power steering gear, if equipped

Power steering gear pressure and return hoses from the gear

Left stabilizer shaft insulator

Power steering gear mounting bolts (lift from the mounting holes)

Power steering gear through the left wheel opening



Transfer the outer tie rods if replacing the power steering gear.



To install:

Install or connect the following:

Power steering gear through the left wheel opening

Power steering gear mounting bolts and tighten to 48 ft. lbs. (65 Nm) for 2002-03; 55 ft. lbs. (75 Nm) for 2004-05.

Left stabilizer shaft insulator

Power steering gear pressure and return hoses to the gear and tighten to 20-22 ft. lbs. (27-30 Nm)

Variable effort steering electrical connector, if equipped

Outer tie rod end to the steering knuckles and tighten the nuts to 52-55 ft. lbs. (70-75 Nm) for 2002-04; 22 ft. lbs. plus 180 degrees for 2005.

Intermediate shaft to the power steering gear

Intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt and tighten to 33-35 ft. lbs. (45-47 Nm)

Power steering gear heat shield

Wheels



Remove tool J-42640 from the steering column.

Bleed the power steering system.

Inspect the power steering system for leaks.

Adjust the front toe.

im guessing this isnt for a gxp model is it? i guess i shooulda been a bit more spacific. but thank you

it says 2000-05 bonnie, lesabre, PA, doesnt say anything about sub models being different

am i gonna have to drop the cradle to do this? cuz i have absolutely no connections for that

doesnt say you have to. not sure what connections you are talking about.

i meant by i dont have access to anyone that has a hoist. im stuck doin the whole driveway gig

i dont think you need a hoist, but go over everything it says to take off and you can access it. probably need a good jack and stands to get under it, the 4.6 doesnt leave much room on top i imagine. My father inlaw has a 2000 lesabre(mostly the same) i just did a bunch of work on. if i remember right there are plastic innerfender covers that come off from the sides to give you some room for stuff

ok cool. thanks alot man. im gonna check and see whether its just the pressure hose thats done for first but i appreciate all your input

let us know how you make out