Can a Joe blow average mechanic replace the rack andpinion on a 740gle wagon without a lot of trouble???
I got a REALLY bad leak and cannot afford to pay mechanics price. Any info , pictures,help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks veery MUCH

I did my 240, which I believe has much the same rack, and I'm a total moron. Check FCP Groton for cheap rebuilds, less than $200 I believe. Here's the basic drill, as I recall it:


-- Jack her up. Wheels off.

-- Disattach the steering column. (One bolt with a cotter pin)

-- Disattack the pump hoses from the rack (big end wrenches needed here. My ratchets wouldn't fit) Drain the fluid into a pan, trying not to cause a tremendous mess.

-- Remove the tie rod ends. (Put a jack under them to take a little weight. That seats them. Otherwise the nuts just rotate, causing much cursing and wasted time.) Count the number of threads showing to approximate alignment later.

-- Remove the rack, which is a matter of five or six bolts.

-- Do it all backwards. Use some loc-tite on the rack bolts.

-- Refill the pump. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to purge air.

--- Put the wheels back on and have her aligned.

Et voila! Took me a day, but I was screwing up in every way possible.

Check your manual; there may be some subtleties I forget.

Steve M

Raleigh, NC

I've not personally done it, but given the instructions in the 700/900 FAQ, I wouldn't be afraid to do it:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Steering.htm#RackReplacement

The worst part of the job is probably how messy it is, especially if it has been leaking for a while.

You may want to perform this job in conjunction with a fluid flush:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Steering.htm#PowerSteeringFluidChange

(All I can say is "The Brickboard Rocks!")