shakelton Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Hello Everyone, This is my first post. My Dad just gave me his 1998 DeVille with 144K miles on it. It is in great shape. I just drove it 1,800 miles from North Dakota to Maryland (took the long way). It failed the MD state safety inspection. I need to replace the wheel bearing hub assemblies and the steering rack and pinion assembly because it is leaking. I bought the Haynes manual and plan to start doing it this weekend. If I run into some trouble, I hope I can find the answers here. Also, I will share my experience when I'm finished. This is my first GM car, and the best car I have ever driven, I hope I don't screw it up. Shakelton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadillac Jim Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 The Haynes manuals can be good, but the GM factory service manuals (FSMs) are the only really comprehensive source of service information that covers all of the car thoroughly. They are available new from Helm, Inc. on this page: Helm, Inc. 1998 FSM page Many have had good luck in getting FSMs on eBay. -- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data -- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted August 22, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 Thanks, I plan on getting one. I had an FSM for my previous car, 1999 Crown Victoria, CNG powered. It was very helpful. I should sell that manual on eBay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 What is leaking on the rack that needs replacement? I would suspect a leaking power steering line(s) to/from the rack before replacing the rack. You need to clean all the oily residue off the hoses and rack and then see where the leak really is. How did the inspection station determine you needed to replace both front wheel bearings? Something doesn't sound right. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted August 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 What is leaking on the rack that needs replacement? I would suspect a leaking power steering line(s) to/from the rack before replacing the rack. You need to clean all the oily residue off the hoses and rack and then see where the leak really is. How did the inspection station determine you needed to replace both front wheel bearings? Something doesn't sound right. I agree with you "doesn't sound right". The wheel bearing test is: No weight on the wheels, apply force on the tires, top and bottom and side to side to feel or listen for play. It was nearly imperceptable and only with a lot of force. The steering rack appears to be leaking in the area where the lines connect to it, not sure exactly where the leak is. Here is a picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 The test you described is for ball joints/tie rod ends. I seriously doubt replacing the bearings will do any good. If you do not hear a droning noise while cruising at speed, I doubt the bearings are bad... If there are any o-rings in the tubing connections to the rack, the leaking may be cured by replacing the o-rings and torquing the line fittings to spec. I've never heard of an inspection station failing a car because of a leak like that. Does the inspection station also do repair work??? If so, time to find another inspection source. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted August 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 The test you described is for ball joints/tie rod ends. I seriously doubt replacing the bearings will do any good. If you do not hear a droning noise while cruising at speed, I doubt the bearings are bad... If there are any o-rings in the tubing connections to the rack, the leaking may be cured by replacing the o-rings and torquing the line fittings to spec. I've never heard of an inspection station failing a car because of a leak like that. Does the inspection station also do repair work??? If so, time to find another inspection source. Once again, I agree with you, I don't think the bearings are bad, no noticeable noise on my 1800 mile trip, I already replaced them with chinese ones for $77.00 each. I already have the rack and pinion assemby out of the car and will get a remanufactured one this Thursday. It comes with new "O" rings for the for the tubing connections, which is all it probably needs. Yes, the inspection place does repairs, they wanted $1,669.05 for this job. I will definitely not do business there again, but if I try someone else after it failed the first time, I run the risk of having them fail something else, like the tires, or any small rubber part that they see a crack in. I am committed to doing the repairs and holding my nose when I take it back for reinspection. Thanks for your comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted September 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 Hello, I just completed the replacement of my steering rack and wheel bearings. I took a lot of pictures and described the process. What would be the best way to share the information with others on this forum. I currently have it in a powerpoint slideshow. I could E-mail it to whoever is interested. What do you suggest. Shakelton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 pm sent. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenD Posted September 3, 2008 Report Share Posted September 3, 2008 well done shak! Great job on the PP presentation. 1994 STS Pearl White 260,000 KM (163,000 miles) <img src="http://img45.photobucket.com/albums/v137/caesar/caddycaesar.jpg" border="0" class="linked-sig-image" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted September 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2008 Thank you, I hope it will be helpful to someone else. This is a great forum, lots of intelligent and generous contributors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Thanks to Shakelton for sending over this photo-essay on repairing the rack and hubs on a Cadillac Deville. I have posted this as a webpage here, but just had an insight on how to get it to post here in the forum. To advance through the file please left-click on the image. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lothos Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Very, very nice job on the tutorial and powerpoint. WARNING: I'm a total car newbie, don't be surprised if I ask a stupid question! Just trying to learn. Cheers! 5% discount code at RockAuto.com - click here for your discount! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEldo97 Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 If your steering rack is only leaking and NOT worn out try the Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak - well worth the money. Try it out before you spring the loot for a new steering rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Hey nice job and fantastic power point presentation! I loved the arrows and text bubbles! That was impressive sir. I am also thrilled to see that we can post a powerpoint presentation here and have it display so beautifully. What do you do for a living?, I am impressed with your attention to detail and your ingenuity. You have a machinist's mentality. Great Job, I love guys that do it the job right and don't look for shortcuts or for the quick fix. My Dad used to describe those types of mechanics as the "SLAM BANG MECHANICS". Tell us about yourself. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadillac Jim Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Error on slide 30: "Flush the ATF with 1 quart of power steering fluid" maybe should be "Flush the power steering with 1 quart of ATF fluid?" -- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data -- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Error on slide 30: "Flush the ATF with 1 quart of power steering fluid" maybe should be "Flush the power steering with 1 quart of ATF fluid?" Jim, if you look at the previous slide you will notice he says to flush the system with 1 gallon of ATF. In this slide he is flushing the ATF from the previous slide with 1 quart of power steering fluid. Take a look and see if I am seeing this right Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted September 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Hey nice job and fantastic power point presentation! I loved the arrows and text bubbles! That was impressive sir. I am also thrilled to see that we can post a powerpoint presentation here and have it display so beautifully. What do you do for a living?, I am impressed with your attention to detail and your ingenuity. You have a machinist's mentality. Great Job, I love guys that do it the job right and don't look for shortcuts or for the quick fix. My Dad used to describe those types of mechanics as the "SLAM BANG MECHANICS". Tell us about yourself. Thanks guys, I am a mechanical designer, I owe my ingenuity to my Dad, a retired South Dakota farmer that could keep machinery running far longer than anyone else had the patience for. I would like to keep his 98 DeVille running for an impressive or at least respectable amount of time, but I am feeling slightly discouraged at the moment... I will start a new topic called "P0741 TCC torque converter clutch stuck off", I know there is a lot already written about this, please indulge me in beating the dead horse again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 There is a TCC solenoid in the side pan. This problem can be caused by that solenoid or a problem with the torque converter. The first thing I would do is to clean the main transmission connector with electrical contact cleaner. Coolant and tranny fluid can get into that connector and cause problems. Lets eliminate that first, because its easy enough. Last year I tilted my engine/tranny carriage removed the side over and replaced the ISS sensor, TCC solenoid and the Pressure solenoid. It was a big job but I did a LOT of other work also. You might be able to take this to a shop that has a TECH 2, that can do advanced diagnostics. Given your technical prowess, tilting the engine is well within your capabilities. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadillac Jim Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Error on slide 30: "Flush the ATF with 1 quart of power steering fluid" maybe should be "Flush the power steering with 1 quart of ATF fluid?" Jim, if you look at the previous slide you will notice he says to flush the system with 1 gallon of ATF. In this slide he is flushing the ATF from the previous slide with 1 quart of power steering fluid. Take a look and see if I am seeing this right Hey, then it's not an error, just misleading to me. I would find it clearer if it said "Flush out the ATF with 1 quart of power steering fluid." -- Click Here for CaddyInfo page on "How To" Read Your OBD Codes-- Click Here for my personal page to download my OBD code list as an Excel file, plus other Cadillac data -- See my CaddyInfo car blogs: 2011 CTS-V, 1997 ETC Yes, I was Jims_97_ETC before I changed cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Ok Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Why is he using ATF in the power steering system? Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted September 8, 2008 Report Share Posted September 8, 2008 Why is he using ATF in the power steering system? I hear you, but he is only using it (a gallon) to flush the power steering system, he flushes out the ATF with power steering fluid. No doubt he is using this due to the high detergent content of ATF and the much higher expense of power steering fluid. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted September 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 You are correct sir (read in the voice of Ed McMann). I bought the steering rack assembly directly from the company that rebuilds them, Accu-Drive. I saved some money by driving down with my core and paying in cash. The information sheet that is packed with the rebuilt racks describes an 8 step flushing procedure. It calls for "power steering flush" my auto parts store never heard of it, or "automatic transmission fluid". I will post a picture or a scan of it tomorrow. Thanks for the thorough checking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakelton Posted September 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Here is a compressed photo of the flushing procedure. I this is not legible enough, I can re-type this page if someone requests it. Top half of the page: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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