I just replaced my power steering pump after the steering suddenly went hard on me while going to the store. plenty of fluid in the tank, and the system has been bled. even raised the car off the ground to do it, and the steering is still hard. in fact it seems harder than it should with simple pump loss, so I want to inspect the rack, what do i need to look for, just leaks? also I have done an engine swap this past year, is there a different or better rack than came with the base model?

They "should" all be the same.... assuming your racks teeth are clean and OK and its where it should be..... your pinion may be going bad..... its one of those things you'll just have to check though.....

Could be a restriction in a hose to but unlikely...

There was a recall for the rack and pinion on many of the late 90's models. You need to check into that.


2.2 97 Cavalier......the "Crapalier"

On third gens, the Z24 coupe rack (or FE3 rack on Sunfires) is a faster ratio (but no heavier duty) than the base rack. I found a low milage, late model FE3 rack on eBay from a southern vendor that was very reasonable. I think the later ('03 - '05) Cavalier LS Sports used that rack too. - Mark

I thought I would update you guys, as it turns out the the rack was fine. the reason that the steering was screwed up is that the little cog thats in the end of the intake came CAME OUT! thats right folks, I know its pressed in, but there it was on the end of of the pumps shaft. so when the car was on the pump still wasn't pumping.