replace it.. most shops get a rebuilt unit and replace the whole unit. I would not try to rebuild one myself. good luck
Rough estimate for replacement $400. ROUGH ESTIMATE FOR RACK AND PINION IS $800 THAT IS PARTS AND LABOR.
Just had Rack and pinion replaced on my 1999 Explorer, it cost $450 which included parts and labor.
about $1100.00
Much easier and cheaper to replace the rack with a rebuilt unit than to try to fix the old one.
Replace it!!
just did mine today. aftermarket rack, $650.
there is no fixing you have to replace the rack and pinion
Estimate around $400
you need a rack and pinion nut breaker to which you fix a pinion at the free end ie where nut is placed to be cracked. This is because you need to convert reciprocating motion of the rack and pinion mechanism built in the nut cracker into circular motion. Attach the nut cracker to the collect chuck shaft through the bore of the additional pinion you installed at the free end of the cracker. When you punch the nut cracker vide its handle once it moves the pinion one tooth on the rack. Thus you can rotate ( ie give angular motion to ) the fixed workpiece from one tooth or as many teeth as you like., depending on the pitch of the threads on the rack and pinion. mazHur
Put it in the trash.
You will need to jack the front end up and make sure the jack stands are not in the way when you remove the rack and pinion. Next remove the front wheels. Disconnect the steering connection from the rack and pinion. Remove the front brakes and rotors. Remove pin the holds hub nut. Remove hub nut. Remove all bolts that hold rack and pinion. Remove nut the holds bottom control arm on either side, but you don't have to do both. You have to do this so you have enough play to slide the extensions that are connected to the rack and pinion. That should do it. Installation is the opposite. Good luck. You will need to jack the front end up and make sure the jack stands are not in the way when you remove the rack and pinion. Next remove the front wheels. Disconnect the steering connection from the rack and pinion. Remove the front brakes and rotors. Remove pin the holds hub nut. Remove hub nut. Remove all bolts that hold rack and pinion. Remove nut the holds bottom control arm on either side, but you don't have to do both. You have to do this so you have enough play to slide the extensions that are connected to the rack and pinion. That should do it. Installation is the opposite. Good luck.
5 to 6 hundred dollars if you find an honest mechanic.....good luck with that !