Will a 98-2001 Forester Steering rack fit a 95 Impreza?? I see 2 different part numbers, but the part #s are only one digit different. (ratio)?

 

Thanks

 

Todd

i'd bet a fair chunk of change that they'll swap.

 

check into white line bushings...is that the name, those performance steering rack bushings? if the part numbers are the same (i bet they are), then the rack will bolt right up. this is a good time to replace these anyway and this sures them up nice and they're really cheap.

 

i use EJ steering rack bushings on my XT6 - so i don't think they changed racks much over the years.

 

then i'd check the tie rod part numbers at an auto parts store. if they're the same, bingo. if not, get the impreza tie rods, or reuse your old ones if they're good.

 

and then the steering lines need to line up, which they will.

 

not much to it other than that so if you don't mind a slight (probably unnoticeable) change in rack ratios you'll be golden!

Some good ideas there!

 

Thanks much!

 

Todd

check the inner/outer tie rod ends

 

and the steering column u joint

 

often these differ on different models.....

 

Jamie

Speaking of steering column u-joints. Is there an easy way to disconnect this joint and to straighten a steering wheel? Or is there an easier way? Just got done putting the rack in and the wheel is off about 90deg. The sears tire shop here in town were to scared to try and straiten it:confused: Any and all help would be most appreciated.

Speaking of steering column u-joints. Is there an easy way to disconnect this joint and to straighten a steering wheel? Or is there an easier way? Just got done putting the rack in and the wheel is off about 90deg. The sears tire shop here in town were to scared to try and straiten it:confused: Any and all help would be most appreciated.

 

Its much easier to disconnect the u joint and correct it. Thats laso the proper way to do it. The other way is a lot more work.

 

 

nipper

Figure on about 3 hours to do the swap if you're gung-ho...

Watch out that you don't cross thread the connections from the pump to the rack. Also be prepped with exhaust mani gaskets, unplug the O2 sensor, and you'll need to drop the front sway bar.

If you DO cross thread that connection then plan on about a 7 hour job with sufficient usage of four letter words and an occasional prayer. Don't ask how I know!!

half turn in or out on the driver side tie rod will correct 90degree off steering wheel. Loosen the lock nut near the end, crescent wrench to turn the shaft, while holding the nut, and holding the boot from turning tighten nut back up. check. usually 1/4 turn to half turn total works.

So, would this still work if the steering wheel was off 180deg, bheinen?

yep, but if its off that much check toe in toe out.

So, would this still work if the steering wheel was off 180deg, bheinen?

half turn in or out on the driver side tie rod will correct 90degree off steering wheel. Loosen the lock nut near the end, crescent wrench to turn the shaft, while holding the nut, and holding the boot from turning tighten nut back up. check. usually 1/4 turn to half turn total works.

 

What????? This doesn't work.

 

Even if you are going to use the tierods to accomplish this, you'd need to turn both of them equally one way or the other, or you'll screw up the toe.

 

90 Degrees is alot of angle to try to take up with tierods.

 

I would loosen the passenger side rack mount, and remove the driver side mount. Then disconnect the shaft u-joint at the lower end,upper column shaft has groove, mates to u-joint in a way that can't be rotated. It does help to loosen the top though, so the J-joint portion can slide some vertically. now you can lower the rack some and and let the joint slide off.

 

Line up the wheels, and the steering wheels both as straight as you can and raise and reconnect the rack to the lower end of the joint.

Its much easier to disconnect the u joint and correct it. Thats laso the proper way to do it. The other way is a lot more work.

 

nipper

 

This worked. Got 'R done tonight in about 20min. Thanks all.:brow: