Buy Buick Rendezvous Rack and Pinion Assemblys

The rack-and-pinion (also called the steering rack, gear box, or steering gear assembly) is a long aluminum housing with a toothed rack inside that meshes with a small pinion gear connected to the steering column. Turning the wheel spins the pinion, sliding the rack left or right and pushing the front wheels with the tie-rods. (HowStuffWorks)

• Fits every Buick Rendezvous built from model-year 2002 through 2007, whether front-wheel-drive or the Versatrak all-wheel-drive version. (Wikipedia, autoevolution)
• Shares its basic steering architecture with sister platforms Pontiac Aztek and Chevy Venture, so a few aftermarket racks list cross-compatibility, but always match part numbers before ordering. (2CarPros)

• Power-steering fluid puddles under the front bumper or wet tie-rod boots signal internal seal failure. (Charm, YouTube)
• Growling or whining while turning points to low fluid from leaks or aerated fluid. (RepairPal.com)
• Steering feels loose or clunks over bumps when rack bushings or internal teeth wear. (CarComplaints.com)
• Hard steering at low speed often means the spool valve inside the rack is sticking or the pump is starved. (YouTube)

Hydraulic racks carry high pressure (1,000 psi or more), so age-hardened seals eventually leak. Dust-boot tears let grit score the rack bar, accelerating seal wear. Corrosion from Midwest road salt can pit the housing and loosen mounting bushings. (Charm, Buick Forums)

1. Top off the reservoir with GM-approved power-steering fluid or ATF-type III/VI, then add UV dye; any green glow at the boots or center housing confirms a rack leak. (Charm, StartMyCar)
2. With the front wheels off the ground, gently rock each tire side to side; inner tie-rod play here almost always means the rack's inner joints are worn. (RepairPal.com)

1. Disconnect the battery and disable the air-bag.
2. Detach outer tie-rods and intermediate shaft.
3. Support the drivetrain, then loosen rear sub-frame bolts and lower the frame about two inches to access the rack. (Buick Forums)
4. Remove pressure and return lines, unbolt the rack, slide it out the driver's side, and reverse the process with the new unit. (2CarPros)
5. Refill, then bleed by turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock with the engine off until bubbles stop. (JustAnswer)
6. Finish with a four-wheel alignment to set toe. (YouTube)

• Rack-to-sub-frame bolts: 59 ft-lb (80 N·m). (Buick Forums, 2CarPros)
• Rear sub-frame bolts (when lowered for access): 122 ft-lb (165 N·m). (Buick Forums)
• Intermediate-shaft pinch bolt: 37 ft-lb (50 N·m).
• Always replace any bolt that fails to hold at least 18 in-lb before seating, as GM classifies them as prevailing-torque fasteners. (2CarPros)

• Flush fluid every 60,000 miles or two years to keep seals lubricated and reduce sludge. (RepairPal.com)
• Inspect dust boots at every oil change; replace torn boots immediately to keep grit out. (Charm)
• A slight seep at the adjuster plug is usually manufacturing residue; wipe it clean before assuming the rack is bad.

While no formal recalls list the Rendezvous steering rack, GM did issue a service bulletin outlining leak-diagnosis steps and stressing dye confirmation before replacing parts. Persistent leaks can suddenly empty the pump, making the SUV very hard to steer, so address fluid loss quickly.

RepairPal pegs total replacement at $1,002 - $1,161 in most U.S. markets, with labor roughly one-third of the bill and the steering rack about two-thirds. (RepairPal.com) Choosing high-quality remanufactured racks can cut costs without sacrificing durability.

• Power-steering pump - over-pressurizes when the rack is clogged.
• Outer and inner tie-rods - often replaced with the rack because originals seize to the threads. (RepairPal.com)
• Return and pressure hoses - rubber hardens; new hoses help prevent future leaks.

Q: What fluid goes in a Buick Rendezvous steering rack?
A: GM specifies a standard power-steering fluid; ATF Type III or Mercon V works in a pinch, but always match what the owner's manual lists for best seal life. (StartMyCar)

Q: Can I drive with a leaking rack?
A: Small seepage is manageable if you keep fluid topped off, but once fluid drips steadily, steering effort can spike without warning-get it fixed soon. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Do I need an alignment after rack replacement?
A: Yes. Removing the rack disturbs tie-rod length; a fresh alignment prevents uneven tire wear and keeps the wheel centered. (YouTube)

Q: What noises warn of rack failure?
A: Listen for whining when you turn (low fluid), clunks over bumps (loose internal bushings), or a "dead spot" where the wheel turns but the tires lag. (YouTube)

Q: How long does a new rack last?
A: With clean fluid and intact boots, most replacement racks last well over 100,000 miles before any leaks or looseness appear. (RepairPal.com)

Q: Is there a torque spec for the pressure line?
A: GM lists 20 ft-lb (27 N·m) for the high-pressure hose fitting at the rack-hand-tight plus a quarter-turn if you lack a torque wrench. (Charm)

Q: Why does my wheel stay crooked after installation?
A: The tie-rods need equal adjustments on both sides; centering the steering wheel is part of the alignment process, not a rack defect. (RepairPal.com)

These practical details should help any Rendezvous owner understand, diagnose, and budget for a rack-and-pinion steering gear replacement while keeping the SUV safe and easy to steer.