nopistons2o9

trying to figure out how to manuel rack swap my 89 s5. where would i find 1 n how would i go about swapping it?

BomberMan

iTrader: (4)

I know where one is for sale, but I'm not telling bcuz I want it...
I can only presume that you want the manual steering due to broken/ removed power steering, or that you intend on doing some mods that require the removal of the power rack and pinion. Otherwise I wouldn't bother because it allows for quicker response and harder cornering (no matter how buff and manly you may be ).

That said installation is pretty straightforward. The rack bolts onto the frame and then it's just a matter of plugging it into the steering output and bolting/pinning the tie rods (make sure the front wheels and the steering wheel is straight, either way you will need a a front end alignment).

nopistons2o9

alright sounds easy enough n yea im most likey gonna remove it cuz dude said b4 i had it that it didnt work. well see wat happens. n really though where would i get 1?

BomberMan

iTrader: (4)

If I was you I'd wait for more confirmation than just "dude said it didn't work". It could be low fluid or just a bad belt. That's a helluvalot cheaper and easier than just replacing the whole rack. Besides you should be able to tell if it's working or not by driving it. If it feels like your wrenching your arms out during hard cornering or parking than it's broken. It's gearhead common sense: "Don't fix it if it ain't broke"

oakback

BTW, you can get a manual rack from S4 or S5 donor car, either will work. Swapping it is pretty simple conceptually, the hardest part is working in the limited space. Just get the rack, and the brackets that bolt it down (the brackets are different for manual/ps racks).

Bamato

iTrader: (6)

You could always properly "de-power" the power rack. There's a thread somewhere around here how to do that...

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

this is VERY important advise. Dont expect to crawl under there on a Saturday night and swap the rack if you do not have the s4 mounts, which are NLA from the dealer.

You can find other mounts that will work by scouring the parts store shelves, that is how I found one for my car but I cant remember what car it came from, it was a roll bar bushing from another vehicle.

BomberMan

iTrader: (4)

My car is currently like this, and I have to say I'm not a fan. The gearing is still for ps so it's harder to use than a manual r&p. Also I noticed some play in it that I attribute to not having ps fluid where there was meant to be (though I may just have shitty old steering .

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Lack of fluid won't cause play.
Was your quill welded when the rack was depowered?

Bamato

iTrader: (6)

I should have bolded properly de-powered.

BomberMan

iTrader: (4)

Regardless... My main point was that a "de-powered" rack sucks if you are on an autocross track, or just trying to park. It may still be hard with a manual rack, but it's better than breaking your arms off.

What I'm saying is I wouldn't remove ps unless you need room under the hood for mods, or the system is broken beyond reasonable repair.

Rob XX 7

iTrader: (8)

but it looks soooooo much cleaner without the PS

BomberMan

iTrader: (4)

No arguments there, (like I said I'm switching to a manual rack myself) besides if you wanna run a FMIC, Catch can, or some other convoluted device, you're gonna prolly need the room.

nopistons2o9

alright cool went to junkyard yesterday n found few s4 wit manuel rack gonna head back in few days pick it up. only gonna cost me 30. i jus gotta get da rack n brackets?

clokker

iTrader: (2)

Wouldn't hurt to get the lower steering shaft as well (the intermediate piece between the steering column and the rack).