Subaru Impreza WRX Rack and Pinion Swap

[@bgable7707]

I'm sure there are many people that would bark at your wheel toe in/out method, but, great example of using your experience to "eye ball it" and thanks for the "happy thoughts" shot.

[@JesusFlores-js9ru]

Great work man! I’m going to be doing my first rack and pinion on my 02 Subaru Impreza this weekend. Wish me luck! Sucks there’s so many crappy parts and we never know what’ll happen

[@greasyhandsauto-shaunbutte9726]

Brian, great work. I have been working on mechanical things since I was 8 or 9, I am now 50. I have learned things by watching your videos. Thank you and you explain things clearly. Sorry you had to do it twice. Nothing worse than having to do it twice when it's not you fault. Kudos.

[@sweedoo]

Can't remember if I thanked you already for this great video, me and a friend just did the swap on my 2005 Forester the other weekend, it was a lifesaver. Especially when we came to getting the rack out, we just kept shouting to each other to 'truck it this way, truck it that way!' :-) Only difference is your video is 23 minutes, we spent the best part of the day, like a slo-mo version. Great mod though, love it. Thx!

[@bleedsfeeds6300]

Best video I’ve found with relation to my 2008 Legacy. For the Legacy I pulled the bracket near the sway bar mount on the drivers side. That let the steering rack drop right out.

[@athomas1510]

thank you thank you thank you....you are the MAN for all things Subaru repair on KZbin, I appreciate the camera angles and knowlege you share. THANK YOU!!

[@Wildman77082]

Thank you so much for your experiences. I feel so much for your pain and thanks again for sharing that everyone should treat a rebuilt steering rack like buying a used car that may (or may not) have been a wreck. If you simply compare the original to the "rebuilt" and you notice (even just visually) major discrepancies you should probably steer clear. Otherwise you will probably, very literally not be able to steer clear.

[@bgable7707]

Brian, I appreciate your effort to use correct and explanative vocabulary!! And, I've never seen a crows foot in action since I started working on engines in .... 72. I'm sure dropping that 78 corolla tranny, I could have used one. You got another subscriber today!

[@arronfarmer9552]

this video is going to help me so much on swapping out my old rack and pinion on my wrx thanks for posting this video

[@nabassu]

You are really smooth to listen. Thank You for the video! Doing the rack tommorow in forester 98. Cheers!

[@briansmobile1]

+nabassu Thank you

[@cj3007]

Which rack and pinion brands do you recommend that perform well and are reputable?

[@xm10922]

I guess it's almost the same for the RHD Models besides removing the Downpipe gives you way more access to the Linkage and so on. Can't wait to put my Spec C Quick Steering Rack in mine! Thank you Brian for your Videos, they are VERY helpful! It makes things easier if you see how people with way more knowledge than yourself do it. Cheers from Germany Ben

[@briansmobile1]

+xm10922 Cheers!

[@OneLegged-honda-mechanic]

I've not found a trustworthy aftermarket brand yet. I put 4 aftermarket racks in my daughter's 98 passport, 3 of them cardones, 4th one from wordpac. Each one was not only leaking, but pinion gear to rack mesh was clocked wrong, and you can only put it onto column one way on this car, no room for compensation in tie threads. The 4th one I took it apart, reclocked it and resealed it. Unbelievable! After that experience I went back to overhauling them myself like we used to do at the Honda dealer many moons ago.

[@PhilBourgeois]

That rack has a hidden feature It's rust protection no work involved and the moaning sound tell you it's doing its job lol

[@danroberts7975]

I literally winced when you started tapping on the top of that tie rod end... I love the Dewalt cordless tools. I have the 18v system and love it!

[@greasyhandsauto-shaunbutte9726]

Me too but Brian knows not to hit it too hard.

[@briansmobile1]

Ya, I figured if I botched the threads I could replace it like I would like to anyway. It's just hard to show it's legitimately stuck in there without tapping it.

[@Triumph4nt1050]

Old video, but maybe you'll see this question Brian? My STi is leaking power steering fluid, the dealer says it is the power steering control valve and wants $1,300 to fix it. Is the control valve a part of the rack? If so I'd rather just replace the whole rack and pinion myself. Thanks.

[@dfw_motorrad1329]

Great stuff. I'm loving these Subaru videos.

[@LW_Black4]

Good video and helpful as I just swapped mine in an '04 WRX sedan. It looks like the rebuilt rack was not centered when it was shipped and I ended up with the steering wheel at 2 O'clock. We'll get it centered with the alignment, which I've scheduled.

[@VenomsDeath]

Hello. I have a 2005 sti and my power steering has died. is there anything to look for before ripping it out. thx

[@homersimpsonii5455]

I had the same problem with a rack on an intrigue a several years ago. The first one leaked from the word go, and the second one started after a couple hundred miles, but after round three I finally got a good one.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Did you get really good at it in the meantime? My reman fuel injectors went bad so many times, I felt like I was back at Discount Tire being told to just keep remounting that one tire over and over because it'd teach me something. ....repetition teaches, but I bit back a Russian saying. Perfect practice makes perfect. Doing something wrong over and over, that's an American movie that'll make you laugh if you think of the Russian version. :) American's love the fail over and over and finally get it right movies don't they? Yep, they're enjoyable.

[@toddstiffler3097]

Hey Brian, we cannot get the rack back up in place and your video does not show this. We are very confused as to how to get the input shaft back up thru the hole with the inner tie rods being installed on the new unit. Please help. Thanks!

[@rehlek]

You can buy rack and pinion reseal kits from rock auto, i have bought them twice for different vehicles and it came with pretty much everything.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Thanks for the tip!

[@swissmochaj]

Doesnt seem too bad of a job if you have good parts. Happy thoughts!

[@notorioussouljur]

Thankfully my ebay r&p didnt leak when i changed mine, great work!

[@lucasmclean5000]

Great video man we want everything happy and now clownish!

[@alanchanthavisouk8557]

Have u ever ordered parts from Amazon n it failed on u.. thinking of buying a rack n pinion from them?

[@nabassu]

Get yourself a steel bar. The square pipe (?). You just put it along the whole front wheel (tyre) and look at the rear wheel (like thrue a telescope).

[@mworke]

Impressive shot at the 23:00 mark of the vider!

[@mydv9305txdied]

Awesome video mate! Thanks, hopefully I can solve my power steering issues with my Gen 1 Legacy (Liberty in Australia) turbo. Thinking happy thoughts ;)

[@zoeymawhir9268]

Really enjoy your videos =) They have helped me on many occasions!

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks!

[@scbu92]

Hello. You mentioned to adjust the steering rack so the lengths are even on both sides aka centered. Can you please explain how to do it when its bolted in there?

[@EminHVAC]

Brian your videos are awesome brother, I like your calm attitude lol I would of been pissed really bad. it totally sucks that you did all that work only to do it over and over. Thank you posting

[@JohnzCarz]

As I was watching you take the old one out I kept thinking....what are the chances the new one leaks worse than the old? At 10:30 I got my answer! Hopefully you got some comp from your supplier for this. Luckily it seems a pretty easy process on the Subie, unlike some that take hours of disassembly.

[@CanDoCorey]

Hey! I realize this is an older video but by chance where did you find the atsko rack and pinion? I am unable to find that brand I just am looking for a better quality rack to replace my very neglected rack!

[@kellyspeppers]

DIY toe alignment, use a string between jack stands.

[@1954BJohn]

Your skills are impressive Brian - Thx for the video.

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks John! You always hope that years of busted knuckles and hard won battles will add up to something.

[@beng1860]

Had power steering fluid leak and shop stated that it was the metal lines under the rack were bad. He said that the only way to change them was to change the whole rack. does this sound right?

[@tuqq5238]

I ordered a ATSCO rack from rock auto and looked exactly like the first one you put in. Bad packaging. Hole, leakage where you said it might be leaking. Where did you get the black ATSCO one?

[@pasqualedirito2939]

Brian why did you just not replace the boots on the factory rack? Love your work as always.

[@briansmobile1]

That's best if you catch it in time. I've owned REX for a year now, and the previous owner had neglected it for about three years. By then, enough road compound had been through the seals that it was necessary to replace it.

[@justingetadams1558]

briansmobile1 im going on my third rack. reman was a detroit axle. it lasted 5 months and now leaking from boot. what do you think about a1 cardone

[@Kntryhart]

Nice job! Now add 11 years of rust and corrosion and that is what I have :-( The two small lines on the rack body are corroded through and leaking on my 2005 Forester. Sorry to see the first rack was a turkey!

[@josh___3846]

Brian where did you place your jack stands? Ive always put the stands at the pinch weld but then I cant leave the actual jack there. With only one jack where would you suggest putting it in this situation?

[@MrExterminator123]

How much in labor should i be looking for when changing a rack & pinion on a honda odyssey 2000? 170k I need to change it :/ leaking

[@briansmobile1]

Multiply the labor rate times 3.0 - 4.4 hours and that's what to expect. Labor rates in my area are typically between $85 an hour and $140. I'd love to sell you a 2015 Odyssey for $5,000, but I don't have one to sell. Therefore any price I come up with is meaningless. You need a quote from someone in your area who can do the work for you.

[@Barrenchats]

My last SF5 forester Ruby took up pole dancing at 397k km, Forest the SF5 Forester isn't into such things... I hope :D

[@briansmobile1]

Best of luck Forest!

[@survivalmaniac522]

Great video but some light would be helpful. Hard to see

[@clevere1]

Did you really do that in 23 minutes?! I know my subaru needs a rack, but... for some reason I can't bring myself to do it. - I had a rack installed from Sears into a Mitsubishi Mirage - I understand how frustrating the leaks are.. my new one leaked like hell....

[@jeffcampbell6898]

I'm trying to figure out how you change the steering ratio on mine. It's 16:1 right now, want to go to about 13:1

[@mattk7282]

Hey I think its Brian! I'm getting a creeking sound when turning my steering wheel and going over some bumps. Is this my rack and pinion?

[@melnflores]

how do you know if the rack is centered before you install it? Just did my rack on my 2002 wrx and my steering wheel is off center. About 30 degrees to the right when the wheels are straight. Also, as I turn the wheel to the right, power steering starts moaning before it goes full turn.

[@briansmobile1]

+melnflores If the rack is centered, the inner tie rods will be the same length from the rack tube to the tie rod tip on both sides.

[@iBeattRihanna]

Is that a b4 legacy grill? Looks sweet on the rex!

[@briansmobile1]

+Chris Brown I have no idea- it came with the car.

[@jrmym2]

All that work and the thing leaked like a sieve! I'm so tired of the crappy parts AutoZone, Advance, and O'Reilly peddle nowadays. I refuse to buy any type of seal/gasket from AutoZone... been burned too many times. How hard is it to make a gasket that actually fits the part? I go to NAPA for gaskets now.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Out of the dozens of gaskets I've replaced, I've only had 2 that were bad. 1 from Napa and another from OReilly's or AutoZone, I can't remember. I've only tried Napa gaskets very few times, you and I jrmym2 can't alone determine quality. I bet my 1 bad gasket from Napa is a pretty small sampling just like yours is from AutoZone. And yet, our experiences shape where we shop....

[@finanzainteligente]

Hello, could you tell where you bought the address box please

[@Alkaline198]

anyone happen to know the O ring subaru part number for these lines? Great video btw! doing my '04 WRX now

[@yojamf]

Thinking of doing this how long did this job take you?

[@MuddyDrivewayProductions]

1st time I heard you swear. I would done the same thing but many times LOL. Great upload and happy thoughts. Aloha and take care

[@briansmobile1]

Everyone poops, and everyone gets upset now and then. As for cussing, I try not to on camera, but some of my favorite people who are the most loving, generous and honest cuss too.

[@slowbryan0615]

my top hardlines are leaking(boots still good) i have a NA and have uel headers so when it drips it turns into a smoke show on the road... what would be best for me? replace rack and pinion or just unscrew the leaky line and teflon it orrr??? im not sure any help?

[@Halffast719]

What's going on with parts these days. I jus did a clutch on a civic and started the engine and clack clack clack. Pulled the tranny back out to find the pressure plate rivets were 1/8 inch too long and hitting the inside of the tranny. So I had to bring down those rivets 1/8 inch. Man parts have really been sucking for us mechanics. Did a clutch master cylinder on my WRX I tried bleeding it for hours it was junk had to get another one.

[@greasyhandsauto-shaunbutte9726]

I had the exact problem with a WRX.

[@Halffast719]

Bat Bam mostly Mexico is what I see stamped on them.

[@Halffast719]

Shaun Butterfield its irritating isn't it.

[@VenomsDeath]

I recently changed out the rack and pinion, but I am having issue putting the input shaft back on the u-joint. Can you give any suggestion how you got it on? Did you have the rack and pinion bolted on but loose or was it even bolted on then? Thanks for your help?

[@briansmobile1]

+Venom ! Line it up at the correct angle and as straight as possible.

[@twinturbotaj]

anyone seeing in the future. use a 3/8" drive extension stuck in the gap where the pinch bolt went through on the steering input shaft (after the bolt is removed).. and the 3/8" drive is just the correct size to be turned 45 degrees.. and it will split that gap open wider, for removal/installation! Trick I figured out I'm sure Subaru designed to work that way.

[@ShitaJ]

How did you put In the steering part together?

[@JesseFK]

Dang man, that sucks about the first rack being poor quality. Especially all the time it takes to redo the entire thing again on the same day. Glad to see you don't lose your temper though. You're a great guy! :)

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

That's the main reason I come back other than the knowledge. When I try to emulate his attitude in repair it makes it a joy!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Was that a Cardone part , I have had lot's of that remand Cardone stuff that has been shady at best , Alts and starters are really bad !!

[@DinasGarage]

briansmobile1 Thanks Brian again for a detailed great video! Sucks that you had to do it 3 times (removing the original then the 1st replacement then the installing the better one! Hope your well and hope you have moved in to the new place or are ready to! Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

You bet! Good to see you! I'm 85% moved in. I bought the buyer of my old place a model train to go with the office. Her grandkids LOVED IT!

[@DinasGarage]

That's awesome! Congrats can't wait to see the new garage! Be safe and blessings!

[@IkeandMike1]

Hey thanks a lot for this video. I'm either going to be able to do a rack swap on my 04 STi, or I'm going to wreck my car trying. How's that Atsco rack holding up? Or was this a customer's car that you don't know the current status of?

[@briansmobile1]

+IkeandMike1 Haven't driven that car for like.... minutes. It's doing awesome.

[@IkeandMike1]

+briansmobile1 Awesome, glad to hear it. So you'd recommend the Atsco remanufactured rack? OEM one is $822 from the dealer.

[@jamienguyen476]

I have an 08 impreza and I've replacedy power steering pump 3 times in the third did the pump belt hose and inlet o ring. still having problems. have a leak behind the pump an idea what it can be

[@itftcomputers]

same shit here, did you find the reason?

[@PedroFTeixeira]

Brian, you really need a lift, or a pit(?? don't know how to call it in English) With your skill set and knowledge, would make your jobs a lot easier!

[@ianporter1957]

Great video Brian! I'm not a big fan of O'Reiley, I really like AutoZone, Federated, and Napa.

[@apachelives]

epic! i need to do this exact job with my Subaru Outback

[@MetatronsFirmament]

How did you adjust the rack center position while it was bolted up there? I'm measuring 3.5 and 5.25 so I need to split the difference. I didn't want to just pull one side or the other...

[@zoeymawhir9268]

I am sure you already have your answer since it's been 3 years, lol, but I am sure others wonder that as well so here it is: While the rack is mounted use a set of vice grips on the pinion shaft that is sticking out of the top of the rack and then turn it around until you have both inner tie rods the same distance on both sides. DO NOT put the vice grips on the teeth of the pinion shaft, put it below on the smooth portion. This may help some one =)

[@robertbarcus1963]

I feel for ya on the bad parts. I never used reman parts especially if it my own rigs and I have to work on my back. I hate doing shit twice because some Idiot cant do his job correctly at the reman plant.

[@TikiShootah]

so thats what a rack and pinion bellow looks like all the used subaru ive been looking at had that damn thing leaking , that and broken swaybar links

[@briansmobile1]

That sounds about right for the 100k mile or so club.

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

it's easy because you bought a car with a longitudinal engine. I don't bother having transverse engined cars anymore, too much of a pain to work on.

[@maciekzdeb]

briansmobile1 - mad skills that pay the bills.

[@warusweims]

I did a steering rack in my Avalon. I chose to buy a genuine Toyota reman rack and pinion unit because I only wanted to do it one time. I know how bad aftermarket reman parts can be. Now you gave the old Subaru one away you can't get it back and get a reman Subaru. Subaru will not accept a non-Subaru part for a reman core. Most OE's won't. Keep that in mind.

[@Eastahtata]

I had to buy a Subaru rack because I have an 04 Sti and there's no remans for that. There was no core charge on it. Bought it online from some dealer.

[@warusweims]

Dan.vaku You're right. Subaru does not offer reman steering racks but replacing your rack with an OEM unit was the best thing you could do. Honestly. Even though Subaru steering racks are not terribly difficult to replace it is still a job you only want to do one time.

[@Eastahtata]

warusweims I agree, it also came with new tie rod ends, mounting bushings (installed poly ones anyway lol), and all those little hoses on the bottom making it convenient and clean. It's also good practice to keep your OEM axles and starters and just service them instead of gambling with rebuilt stuff. Especially axles, I haven't replaced as many as a shop but seen so many go bad very quickly, and some were just wrong out of the box.

[@speedtime2834]

Are you anywhere near Philadelphia I need mine done as well on my forester

[@neeks2412]

Can you do a Rack and pinion install on my 06 STI if you are in Socali?

[@briansmobile1]

+Neeks I'm in Utah.

[@geigertron3000]

great vid! thanks so much

[@MooseGS]

Good vid. Thx for the info!

[@ncc74656m]

Thinking happy thoughts, eh? :P

[@briansmobile1]

+katie_incredible As much as possible- yes!

[@fieldsofomagh]

Happy St Patrick's day.

[@froshmasta]

I also hate junk parts. I recently had to re-replace a wheel bearing that had about 4000km on it because it was making a racket like a failing bearing already. Garbage.

[@DENicholsAutoBravado]

Dude, happened to me! But it's really the last shop's fault. I mean really, if you're going to skip putting one of the seals in, new dirt will make it go bad fast!

[@MeowJW]

Electric racks all the way!!

[@IOWPCV]

Enjoy the videos nice one .

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks!

[@christianchristian7625]

my lady hit a guardrail in the driver corner, time to open her up! the cops wanted it out of the street so its in the front yard....should be fun

[@BlueHokage]

Just stick with OEM not "OE", especially when it comes to subaru

[@william121852]

I would never buy REmanufactured parts like this , its never good . An alternator or starter is OK , but not something like this . Why did you NOT count the turns when you removed the tie rod ends ?

[@zappa916]

you need a Car lift dude. Good health as you're going towards retirement may depend on it. Extend the garage roof up and get yourself a lift. If Eric the Car guy deserves one SO do you.

[@briansmobile1]

+AngeV2 Thanks man, check this out → kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZXQk3mZjJJ9Z5o

[@ozzstars_cars]

Aggravating when the cheap ass China junk new or reman goes bad. Been down that road, I feel your pain

[@SgtMantis]

Ohh a bugeye wagon. Sexy beast.

[@rebel.mma.youtube]

Hello!! Watch "What's up with my 2001 wrx subaru??" on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWK4oGZtd7GXnLM I think I diagnosed the problem of car following a clutch change as either the clutch dust cover making this noise or the pressure plate retainer clip. How would u go about removing the dust cover? I know i def bend it I thought I remoulded it n it was clear of the flywheel but maybe be not. If I Jack up the transmission n engine as high as possible will there be enough room to remove it? Any help will be really appreciated:)

[@dozza202]

First comment what do I win?

[@hddm3]

junk

[@curtis9188]

Dude that stinks!

[@NimaSomeh]

as much as I like subaru , they are unreliable peice of sh***

[@ncc74656m]

+Nima someh Actually, not at all. The biggest problem with Subies is the head gaskets, which most often happened because the cooling systems weren't exceptionally well maintained and they just got ran a little hot.