This was not my Vette, so it's in non vette discussion.

I replaced the steering rack in my Celebrity today.  It was puking fluid out of one end.  Of course this was in the gravel driveway.  Not really a bad job, but there is a small fact I need to share first.

Several years ago the  National Safety And Traffic Administration did a survey of rusty cars, county by county across the USA.  The rustiest place for cars in the entire USA is Summit County Ohio.  Of course Cuyahoga Falls is in Summit County Ohio.  Think you got rust?  Come and visit me.

So of course a 17 year old Celebrity is a victim.  To replace the steering rack, the engine cradle must come down at the rear.  The cradle bolts go into a captured nut concealed in a unibody section.  Of course, the left side came out halfway, and the captured nut spun.  There is no access.  The only way to reach it is to cut a hole in the floor behind the brake pedal, partway up the firewall.  Cut I did.  This is not rare for these cars in this area, but it's still a pain in a driveway.

The rack is in, and my rough adjustment method made the steering wheel dead center, so it can't be too bad.  I'll still put it on an alignment rack.

Part of a day spent working on a car in the driveway, and I never touched the Vette. So what is the point of all this?  I don't think I have one.

Sorry to hear it, Ken. It couldn't happen to a nicer guy!! jest kiddin!!
I've seen that very thing happen many times. The cradle has to come off to get the trans out of any of the FWD GM cars, and those bolts will either strip out, break off, or bust the nut loose inside the uni-body structure. I've have to cut a window in the body of many of those turds, to get to the nuts.
It's never good when its yer own vehicle, tho. Adams' Apple38822.8493287037

Who ever thought that a Celebrity would last 17 years in Ohio?
Texas yes, up North, not likely.
Of course, Ken knows how to make his cars last.

Hey Ken. I was actually in your neighborhood a couple of weeks ago. I have family in Butler Pa. My brother, who runs a repair by day/speed by night shop, takes me out to Summit Racing for some wallet weight loss every time I go and visit.

Next time I'm in town, I'm supposed to be having the Vette painted. Maybe I could buy you a beer or a soda (or a quart of steering fluid)

Nice work on the celebrity. I love (yeah right) the annoying jobs like that. I feel your pain and frustration!

Luke

Wow, Nice weather, jacks stands, a blanket. and stuff fallin into yer eyes. Sounds like a great day to me. But then again I'm only 1 state away!