Steering Rack part # ??

[defretted]

OK... So I've searched the threads about steering stuff, and I got my education about the different variables.
What I would like to know is the actual part # I would need.
Most of the Parts house sites list a bunch of numbers... ie 2 numbers for F41, or 2 different numbers for FE1... 2 port... 3 port...

I have F41, and T2V.. Lock to lock, I got 2.7.

So basically I want to make sure I get the proper replacement, Given the number of possible combinations out there.
I have NAPA, Advance, and Autobone in my area...
Anyone know the correct part number for any of those vendors?
Last time I was at Autobone, the guy had to ask me who made a Bonneville...

[willwren]

You should have FE2, not F41, and that has no bearing on your rack whatsoever. That's a suspension code.

Are you sure you have T2V? I don't recall any SE models getting that. Verify it by looking for the electrical connector on your power steering pump, but again, that has no bearing on what rack you need.

Look at your rack and determine if it's a 2 or 3 port.
Double check your RPO codes. While it's not a determining factor, MOST SE's came with the soft ride (FE1), and MOST of them go the granny rack.

[J Wikoff]

Where are the ports in question?

[renchjeep]

You should have FE2, not F41, and that has no bearing on your rack whatsoever. That's a suspension code.

Are you sure you have T2V? I don't recall any SE models getting that. Verify it by looking for the electrical connector on your power steering pump, but again, that has no bearing on what rack you need.

Look at your rack and determine if it's a 2 or 3 port.
Double check your RPO codes. While it's not a determining factor, MOST SE's came with the soft ride (FE1), and MOST of them go the granny rack.

My 94 SE has T2V. Unless I have an SSE? Would the VIN tell me? My RPO sticker (under spare tire cover) is pretty much unreadable. Quick variable-rate steering, and she handles like a slot-car!

[willwren]

It's not variable rate. It only reduces steering effort at low speeds (2 speed, not variable in a true sense). Rench, we really need to keep this topic on track for the OP and not confuse the issue with other cars. If you have a question, please start your own topic.

Rock Auto and NAPA have very clear pictures of 2 and 3 port racks. They should be compared to the rack in the car to determine which one to buy.

[defretted]

So here's the deal.
My build sticker lists F41 and T2V. I checked that before my initial post. Also Hand-counted 2 and 3/4 turns on the wheel.
I verified the electrical connector on the PS pump. Rack has 2 PS lines from the pump, plus 2 equalizer lines running the length of the rack.
I mentioned before the parts stores specify ride/handling code ie F41, FE1, FE2 for their listings.
However, they list two variants for soft ride, and two variants for stiff ride.
So I'm assuming I will want one of the stiff ride ones.
Thats four choices down to two. Which one is it?

Has anyone done a rack on a 92 with the same options, and what p/n did it take?

[willwren]

Your car does not have F41. The build sheet is incorrect. No Pontiac Bonneville from 1992-2005 came with F41 from the factory, and it was not an option. If your RPO codes say otherwise, you have the wrong label. Your car has (very likely if it's really an SE) FE1 suspension, with a VERY outside long-shot chance of FE2. The "F" code does NOT determine what rack you have, it's a common misconception. Let me explain:

I have two supercharged Series 1 cars in my driveway.

ZiLLA is a 93 SSEi, FE2, T2V, PERFORMANCE RACK.
SLEeper is a 95 SLE (Supercharged), FE2, T2V, GRANNY (touring) rack.


Yes, even auto parts stores do it wrong. If I was looking for a replacement rack and followed your logic, my steering rate would change.

[00Beast]

From the OP's Intro topic:

Glad you found another motor and have kept the car going... There were no SE's with F41 after 1993... If you had FE2 chances were quite good you had an SSE or SSEi, or an SLE with the added FE2 suspension...

But that 92-93 F41 is a good driving, handling 4 door sedan for what it is... Its a keeper for sure and most don't think a Big car should drive like that...

I'm gonna lean towards trusting Don's analysis here...

[willwren]

If that was the case in 92, it still has no bearing whatsoever on the rack in his car. He could have either of the two.