Can I change a steering rack in my garage (home)?

My steering rack has had a small leak for a long time in one of the seals, since they seem to cost about 150 to 200 to replace I figured I may just get a new one. Mechanics have quoted me at 900 just to replace the seals, seems steep to me...

So here's what I have...
A garage.
Jack stands.
A bunch of cheap tools (Sears craftsman crap)

Is it possible for me to do it over the weekend in my garage, then go get the car aligned the next day? Or are there some evil barriers that can stop me in my tracks?

My steering rack has had a small leak for a long time in one of the seals, since they seem to cost about 150 to 200 to replace I figured I may just get a new one. Mechanics have quoted me at 900 just to replace the seals, seems steep to me...

So here's what I have...
A garage.
Jack stands.
A bunch of cheap tools (Sears craftsman crap)

Is it possible for me to do it over the weekend in my garage, then go get the car aligned the next day? Or are there some evil barriers that can stop me in my tracks?

i just did mine. its fairly straight forward. undo tierods, disconnect steering lines, ujoint, bolts. and it slides out forward. haynes had a decent write up... good luck

I agree with the above post, it's a straight forward job. Besides the brief instructions above, you'll need to disconnect the steering coupler from the pinion gear on the rack. The coupler connection is underneath the plastic cover. After removing the lower coupler bolt, the coupler will collapse (telescopic) to allow it to be disconnected form the pinion gear. They tend to stick so you may need to tap it to get it to move. Be sure not to move your steering wheel more than one turn either way while the coupler is disconnected. There is an airbag connection referred to as a clock spring in the steering column. If you turn the wheel more than a turn in either direction you'll break this cable and have another repair to perform.

Thanks for the great replies and confidence booster, looks like the biggest danger is turing the steering wheel. Looks like it's time to get a haynes manual and a rack!

Another item is to measure the distance of the outer tie rod ends to the rack. Your new rack will come with inner tie rods and boots, not outer tie rods. I recommend that you buy new outer tie rods (Moog, about $30 each). Mount the new tie rods to the new rack at the same distance as the original rack. This will get your alignment (toe in) close to being right. You should still have an alignment performed when you are done.