Both of my J-Bodies have been having their share of Rack problems lately. The Wagon all but locked up, and had to be replaced. The Sunbird is leaking, but not gushing as of yet. So I've been picking up some racks at the local boneyard as I get a chance. I can get the entire rack/hoses/pump assembly for just $35, and the column for another $35....so I've kinda indulged myself. I'm learning some similarities and differences among them, and wanted to share this with my friends here on J-Body. I've taken some picts to share.
this is off an '85 Firenza - 1.8L OHC - non turbo (Brazil)
https://picasaweb.google.com/106523843413447284565/1985FirenzaRack
this is the old one that was locked up on my Wagon ('86 Cavalier CS - 2.0 OHV )
https://picasaweb.google.com/106523843413447284565/1985CavalierRack
and this one is off an '87 Firenza 2.0L OHC - non turbo (Brazil)
https://picasaweb.google.com/106523843413447284565/1987FirenzaRack
The 87 is completely different than the other 2. input shaft doesn't have splines, and the tubing to the rack doesn't go all the way to the end, pump is different, and hose routing is also different even tho the reservoir is still on the firewall.
The 1.8 Ohc's and early OHV 's both had the reservoirs on the firewall. The later OHC placed the reservoir on the pump. The racks from my '86 OHV and the '85 OHC appear to be identical , I think you can swap pump & hoses to use between the 2. Also, I've discovered that the pumps w/reservoir systems connect to a cooler underneath near the front passenger floorboard (my wagon has this as well as the donor at the boneyard)
As is luck, the input shaft pinion seal is leaking on the donor 1.8 OHC I just got. I'm hoping, I can swap the hoses and pump off the '85 to the '87 and use the non splined steering column that it came with on my '84 Sunbird. I'm going to put a tilt column in it anyways.I'm also considering pulling the seal off the rack that came off the wagon, and putting it on the Firenza rack, and see if it works. Call me cheap, but I can't find an pinion input seal alone, it comes as a "seal kit" and runs $50.00!!! You can get a rebuilt rack w/warranty for $80.00
Hope this helps anyone out there with rack issues, or someone thinking about pulling a spare rack next time they are at the boneyard.
I've learned to pull the steering column, then remove the power brake booster before you even start on the rack. Greatly improves
access !! :-)
If anyone has some info to add, for Gods sakes please pass it along!! I've heard there is a lot off difference with the sport racks,
maybe someone out there can post a couple of picts of one of those. :-)
Good stuff. I paid a ton of $$$ to have my rack done back in 1991.
Well, finally managed to put a tilt column in the 2000 Sunbird today. WOW - What a mess!! Thought I'd have a hour or 2 job and be enjoying the ride......Oh No J-Bodies have mysteries to solve!! :-)
The original column had basic 2 spd wipers switch , the tilt job wad the interval switch. Cant swap them , and all I managed to get off the stock wiring was the mist feature and high speed,...better than nothing. The washer doesn't work , but I can easily rig up a aux switch for that. The ignition switch was another fooboo!! When I turned the key forward on the stock column, the rod that moves the switch moved down to the end of the column. On the tilt job, that rod moved up to the steering wheel. I managed to get by , by just turning the ignition wiring harness plugs upside down and they fit in the tilt switch and worked perfectly. The interlock for the gear shift lockout won't bolt up to the tilt column, tho, I'll have to swap the cable off the Firenza to the Poniac , think that will work. Turn signals are good.
Would have been easier if I could find a tilt column with only 2 spd wiper switch, but I imagine they probably came with all the bells and whistles as a package. All I really need is to get the low speed wipers to work. I'm sure if I research it long enough I can cross a couple of wires and Get R Done.
While I was into everything I did discover my rack&pinion leak....it's the input pinion shaft seal....of course. That input seal is on the inside of the car itself.There is a nice seal that traps any fluid that leaks and allows it to flow outside via a small slot at the bottom of the pinion housing. As luck would have it, I have to cut that nice seal to get access to the pinch bolts to separate the column from the pinion shaft. Thankfully I've got a rack at the junkyard waiting for payday, already pulled and ready to go!! :-)
So much for my easy swap job!! I wound up tearing up the stock column and another tilt column trying to understand WTF was going on in there!! I've found out so far it's awfully handy to have some spare pieces to monkey around with while your trying to learn. There are a few more tilt columns left at the yard, so I'll be getting them before I'm done!!
Got a chance, tho, to go for a spin with the power seat and the tilt column together, very nice experience!! :-) Perhaps things never go as we expect them to and can be a PITA, but ya know, it wouldn't be near as rewarding in the end if was too easy!!
Orlen-
I have tilt with the two speed wipers on mine, but I kinda still need it
I didn't cruise or power locks stock. But I did get a engine block heater (which is essential for any convertible in my opinion - hah ha).
I must be getting old or just had a bad weekend!! My wagon has an original tilt column too with the 2 spd wipers just like yours.
Been asking around and researching some, it might just be all I need to do is swap the 2sp motor with a delay motor. Seems the delay is built into the motor. When I give it a try I'll let ya know how it goes!!
