[thrlskr]

2005+ WRX STi Q-Rack (or Quick Ratio Steering Rack) Installation

Objectives:
1. Improve steering responsiveness –get rid of the “lazy feel” of the OEM system
2. Increase the feedback through the steering wheel
3. Eliminate or reduce the “on center” dead spot of the OEM steering

Tools Needed:
Jack
Jack Stands
Lug nut wrench
10, 12, 14, 17, 19mm sockets I find both 3/8 and 1/2" to be useful
Breaker bar
5mm allen wrench
12” or larger crescent wrench
14, 17mm open end wrench (shorty 14mm is helpful)
Flathead screw driver
Pliers normal and needle nose
Hammer (Tie-rod fork is better, but not needed)
Turkey baster

2L Dextron III ATF

Time Needed:

If you have to ask, then I’d say a full day. 

Instructions:
(Please note the following instructions are not comprehensive and if you need further detail on jacking up the car or other steps they are covered in other how-to write ups.)

Stuff that you’ve probably done before:
1. Jack up the car by using the front jacking plate and place the car on jack stands.
2. Remove the Front Wheels with the 19mm Socket
3. Remove the under tray using the 12mm socket and flathead screwdriver.
4. Remove the sub frame using 12, 14, 17mm sockets the breaker bar or impact wrench helps here. Don’t forget about the two push clips in the wheel area.
5. Remove jacking plate using 12 and 14mm sockets.
6. Remove front sway bar using 12, 14mm sockets and 14mm open ended wrench and 5mm Allen wrench.
If that didn’t work for you here are more detailed instructions: Link

Steering rack specific instructions:
1. Remove Cold Air Intake Tract using 10mm socket
2. Using turkey baster remove fluid from power steering reservoir

3. Remove one end of the only soft power steering line on the rack using pliers.

4. Use a container to collect the old power steering fluid and turn the wheel back and forth several times to drain all the fluid. Reconnect the soft line to prevent further spillage.

5. Remove the castle nut from the tie-rod end using needle nose pliers, 19mm socket, and hammer. Nhuhlr has a great write up. I removed it without taking off the rotor, but it was hard to be accurate with the hammer. Get a tie-rod fork for $10 bucks if you don't want any hassles.

6. Loosen lower universal joint bolt using the 12mm socket (do not loosen the bolt attaching the universal joint to the steering column at this time). Don’t worry about marking this unless you will be reinstalling the same rack.

7. Unscrew both the power steering hard lines using the 14, 17mm open ended wrenches. This is where the 14mm shorty comes in handy. Don’t worry there is enough room, just be patient; once you break them loose you can unscrew them with your finger tips.


We are now ready to remove the rack!
8. Support the rack with your hand and remove all 6 bolts with the 14mm socket. Please note which bolts we will be reusing for installation. The q-rack only uses four mounting points instead of six; more on this later.

To be continued...

[thrlskr]

Saved for review

[BoostJunkie]

Which rack are you using? I thought they were only for the 04.

[snorky]

subscribed. great write-up so far!!