How To Remove And Install 1979-1993 Fox Body Power Steering Rack

The rack and pinion is an essential component of any vehicle. If the rack and pinion are worn or leaking, it will affect the overall handling and safety of the car. We will explain the removal and install steps for a rack and pinion for 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustangs. Some steps and components may vary depending on year and model.

• Fits: 1979–1993 Mustangs
• Skill Level: Advanced
• Install Time: 3-4 hours

Product Links:

• 1979-1993 Mustang Power Steering Racks

Tools Required:

• Assortment of Tools (Sockets, Wrenches)
• Drain Pan
• Push Pin Removal Tool
• Pry Bar
• Assortment of Rags
• Jack & Jack Stands or Lift
• Marking Tool (Paint Pen, Sharpie)
• Hose Cutter
• Hammer & Deadblow
• Measurement Tool
• Threadlocker & Anti-Seize

Power Steering Rack Removal & Installation - 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustang

1. Support the Vehicle
   • Lift the vehicle as high as safely possible using a jack and support it with jack stands or a lift.
     
     
   
   
   
2. Drain the System
   • Locate the power steering cooler tube and hoses. Place a drain pan underneath.
   • Remove push pin securing the frame rail splash shield to the core support.
     
     
   
   
   
3. Remove Power Steering Hoses
   • Loosen the clamp on the upper hose to the cooler tube and slide it back. Fluid will drain.
   • Repeat for the lower hose. This is the return hose from the rack.
   • Allow fluid to fully drain.
     
     
   
   
   
4. Remove the Outer Tie Rods
   • Remove wheels.
   • Remove the cotter pins and 18mm retaining nuts from outer tie rods.
   • Use a hammer to free the tie rod from the spindle. Repeat for other side.
     
     
   
   
   
5. Disconnect the Steering Shaft
   • Locate the steering shaft-to-rack connection and mark the alignment.
   • Have a friend hold the wheel to prevent rotation on airbag models (1990–93).
   • Remove the pinch bolt using a 7/16" 12-point socket.
     
     
   
   
   
6. Remove the Steering Rack
   • Use 15mm socket and 18mm wrench to remove steering rack mounting bolts.
   • Push bolts rearward and pry rack off K-member sleeves.
   • Disconnect high-pressure and low-pressure lines at the rack.
     
     
   
   
   
7. Prep for Installation
   • Clean surrounding areas and reused hardware.
   • Center the new rack by turning it lock-to-lock and halving the turns.
   • Install or prep tie rods based on turns or thread count from old rack.
     
     
   
   
   
8. Install the Rack
   • Install bushings and sleeves if required. Tap into place with a dead blow.
   • Slide rack into place and align the steering shaft with anti-seize on splines.
     
     
   
   
   
9. Reconnect Lines & Shaft
   • Install both lines onto rack with new O-rings and Teflon washers. Tighten.
   • Apply thread locker to pinch bolt and torque to 25 lb-ft.
     
     
   
   
   
10. Finish Rack Installation
    • Torque rack mounting bolts to 35 lb-ft.
    • Reconnect hoses to cooler tube with clamps.
    • Install inline return filter with flow arrow pointing toward the pump.
      
      
    
    
    
11. Reinstall Outer Tie Rods
    • Install tie rod ends into spindle with anti-seize applied.
    • Torque castle nut to 41 lb-ft, align cotter pin hole, and secure.
      
      
    
    
    
12. Final Steps
    • Grease tie rods if not pre-greased.
    • Follow power steering fluid bleeding procedure.
    • Reinstall wheels, torque lug nuts, and have alignment checked.