Power Steering Rack

Complete removal and replacement of the power steering rack assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including tie rod disconnection, steering column coupling separation, hydraulic line removal, and rack mounting bolt service.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering rack assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering rack mounting bushings × 2 — Typically replaced with rack
• Tie rod end castle nuts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft coupling pinch bolt (recommended replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+4 — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Mark steering wheel center position with tape or marker for reference.
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points.
5. Remove both front wheels.
6. Place drain pan under steering rack area to catch power steering fluid.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod positions and remove tie rod ends
   Mark the position of both tie rod end jam nuts on the tie rod threads using paint marker for reference during reassembly. Using an 18mm wrench, loosen but do not remove the tie rod end jam nuts on both sides. Remove the castle nuts from the tie rod ends at the steering knuckles. Using a tie rod end separator tool, separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Once separated, unthread the tie rod ends from the outer tie rods, counting the number of turns for each side to maintain approximate alignment setting.
2. 2

   Access and mark steering shaft coupling
   From inside the vehicle footwell, locate the steering shaft intermediate coupling where it connects to the steering rack input shaft. This coupling is accessible through the firewall area. Mark the relationship between the steering shaft and the rack pinion shaft with paint marker to ensure proper clocking on reassembly. Remove the 15mm pinch bolt securing the coupling to the rack input shaft. Slide the coupling upward off the rack input shaft splines.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering pressure line
   Locate the high-pressure power steering line connection at the rack inlet port on the driver side of the rack. Using the appropriate flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and remove the pressure line fitting from the rack. Allow fluid to drain into the drain pan. Cap or plug the line end to minimize further fluid loss and prevent contamination.
4. 4

   Disconnect power steering return line
   Locate the return line connection to the steering rack. This is typically a lower-pressure connection near the pressure port. Using the appropriate flare nut wrench, loosen and remove the return line fitting from the rack. Allow remaining fluid to drain completely. Cap or plug the line end and rack port.
5. 5

   Remove rack mounting fasteners
   Locate the steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the front crossmember or subframe. Locate and count the steering rack mounting bolts per the service manual, then remove all rack mounting bolts using the correct socket size while supporting the rack assembly with your hand or a transmission jack. Note the position and orientation of any mounting brackets or spacers for correct reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove steering rack assembly
   With all mounting bolts removed, carefully maneuver the steering rack assembly out from the vehicle following the FSM-specified removal path (side and orientation to be verified against the service manual). The rack will need to be angled and rotated to clear the suspension components and frame rails. Take care not to damage brake lines, ABS sensors, or suspension components during removal. Once clear, inspect the mounting bushings and brackets on the old rack.
7. 7

   Prepare new steering rack
   Remove the new steering rack from packaging and verify it matches the original unit in terms of mounting points, hydraulic port locations, and tie rod attachment points. Transfer any mounting brackets or hardware from the old rack to the new rack if they are not pre-installed. Install new mounting bushings onto the rack if they are serviceable separately. Ensure all hydraulic ports have protective caps removed just before connection.
8. 8

   Install new steering rack assembly
   Maneuver the new steering rack into position, reversing the removal path verified against the service manual. Align the rack mounting holes with the crossmember or subframe mounting points. Install all 4 mounting bolts finger-tight to hold the rack in position. Ensure the rack is properly seated in the mounting bushings and that the input shaft is positioned to align with the steering column coupling.
9. 9

   Torque rack mounting bolts
   Torque the steering rack mounting bolts to the manufacturer specification (verify exact value in the service manual) in a cross-pattern sequence to ensure even clamping force. Verify the rack sits flush in the mounting bushings and does not bind or have excessive play.
10. 10

    Connect power steering lines
    Remove caps from the rack hydraulic ports and line ends. Connect the power steering pressure line to the rack inlet port, ensuring the fitting threads engage properly without cross-threading. Tighten the pressure line fitting using the flare nut wrench to the proper torque specification (verify exact value in the service manual) to prevent leaks. Connect the return line to the rack return port and tighten securely. Ensure both connections are clean and free of debris.
11. 11

    Connect steering shaft coupling
    From inside the vehicle, align the steering shaft intermediate coupling with the rack input shaft, ensuring the previously made alignment marks line up. Slide the coupling down onto the rack input shaft splines, verifying full engagement. Install the new or original coupling pinch bolt and torque to the manufacturer specification (verify exact value in the service manual) to secure the coupling to the rack shaft.
12. 12

    Install tie rod ends
    Thread the tie rod ends onto the outer tie rods using the same number of turns counted during removal to approximate the original toe setting. Tighten the jam nuts against the tie rod ends finger-tight. Connect the tie rod end tapers to the steering knuckles and install the castle nuts. Torque the castle nuts to the manufacturer specification (verify exact value in the service manual) and install new cotter pins if required by design. Final tighten the tie rod jam nuts to lock the toe setting.
13. 13

    Fill and bleed power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with the manufacturer-specified power steering fluid (verify correct fluid type in the service manual) to the correct level. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 10-15 times to purge air from the system. Check fluid level frequently and add as needed. Continue bleeding until no air bubbles appear in the reservoir and the fluid level stabilizes. Check all hydraulic connections for leaks while the system is pressurized.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer specification (verify exact value in the service manual) in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle weight is on the suspension, perform a final torque check on the wheel lug nuts.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hydraulic connections are torqued properly and checked for leaks after bleeding.
2. Verify steering wheel is centered when the front wheels are pointed straight ahead.
3. Double-check that the steering shaft coupling pinch bolt is properly torqued.
4. Confirm tie rod end castle nuts are torqued and secured with cotter pins if applicable.

Verification

• Start the engine and verify smooth power steering operation with no unusual noises, grinding, or binding throughout the steering range.
• Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while stationary and verify no fluid leaks from rack or line connections.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to confirm proper steering response and returnability.
• Recheck power steering fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.
• Schedule professional wheel alignment to restore proper toe, camber, and caster settings.

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