Differences in Steering Gears (rack & pinion)

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Dec 11, 2014 | 08:26 PM

rains_crusader

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From: Indiana

Differences in Steering Gears (rack & pinion)

I replaced my stabilizer bar last weekend and according to the repair manual, there are different sets of instructions for the different suspensions (fe1, fe3, fe5). Specifically, it mentions in order to change out the stabilizer bar, the steering gear must be removed on all 2005 models(regardless of suspension RPO code). For 2006+ FE1 and FE3 the steering gear must be removed but 2006+ FE5 the steering gear does not need removed. I guess I didn't know there were different steering gear assemblies for the 3 different suspension levels.

Does anyone know what the differences are? Is this something to look into changing for the sake of better steering performance? Are all the assemblies interchangeable?

Steering gears:

2005-07 FE1 #25956924
FE3&FE5 #25956925

2008-10 FE1 #25956924
FE3 #25956925
FE5 #25956914

Last edited by rains_crusader; Dec 11, 2014 at 08:49 PM. Reason: corrected a part number

Dec 11, 2014 | 09:17 PM

Powell Race Parts

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From: Port Perry

all the steering racks are the same ratio. Part number changes happen for all sorts of reasons.

The front knuckle steering arm was changed in 2008 on SS models, to a lot shorter. Result was "quicker" steering.

The previous strengthened LSLJ (ex \G6) knuckle has a slightly shorter steering arm than the original knuckle from 2004 Redline/2005 Cobalt. This knuckle only got changed as I saidd in 2008 for the SS model only. All other Cobalts have the same knuckle from the get go, all years.