remove rack from steering shaft

edzdallas79 · 02-21-2009

i'm in the middle of replacing the steering rack on my 92 2.3l convert. i can't figure out how to disconnect the rack from the steering column. i've disconnected tie rod ends, removed two hoses going into rack, and removed the two big nuts holding the rack on. any help?

Mach1Chuck · 02-21-2009

There is a pinch bolt holding the shaft coupler onto the rack, remove this bolt and the coupler will slide off of the rack.

edzdallas79 · 02-21-2009

any tips on getting to that bolt? i think i'm trying to pull that out, but i can't get a damn wrench on it. or a socket.

Mach1Chuck · 02-22-2009

You may need to turn the steering wheel a bit to get the head of the pinch bolt to a position where you can get a socket on it.

b_chandler · 02-22-2009

IIRC it's a 10mm 12-point head. It's not impossible to get to, but it can be a pain. Like the previous poster said, turn the wheel to put the bolt in a better position.

You may also have to pry the rack and the steering shaft apart after the bolt has been removed.

NavySVO · 02-26-2009

Personally, I would remove the steering shaft first, then drop the rack.
Center the wheels first so that when it all goes back together the steering wheel will be straight.

Replace the rag-joint while you are in there as well. Get one in the HELP section at the parts store.

edzdallas79 · 02-26-2009

how would i remove the steering shaft?

NavySVO · 02-27-2009

look under the hood, it's pretty straight forward.

edzdallas79 · 02-27-2009

i know. but is there anything i need to do to disable the air bag or anything?

edzdallas79 · 02-28-2009

well that was a major pain in the a$$. the pinch bolt was on there so tight that i finally was able to get a socket on it but broke the socket when trying to remove the bolt. unbolted it at the firewall and pulled the whole steering shaft out with the rack. the bushings on the drivers side were so soaked with fluid (i'm assuming) that the rack didn't want to come off the mounting spikes until i screwed with the bushing for about 2 hours. used a deep socket the size of the spike and a hammer to get the damned thing off. so now everything is all f'ed up.

1. how do i try to get everything back together the right way? just turn the steering wheel and the wheels to center, put the top of the shaft (down to the coupler) on and then put the rack back in?
2. how do i check to see if the new rack is centered before putting everything back together?
3. would the $20 bushings from O'Reilly suffice or should i upgrade to polyurethane? how much do the polyurethane ones run? the only ones i can find are offset and i'm not sure i need those do i?
4. i'm gonna take a picture of the rag joint tomorrow to see if i should replace it. it seems like a pain cuz you have to punch out the rivets or something.

edzdallas79 · 02-28-2009

oh, and when i put everything back together does anyone know what i need to torque everything to? the bolt holding the steering shaft on at the firewall, the pinch bolt on the coupler, the two mounting bolts holding the rack on, and the bolts holding the u bar under the engine? (i had to pull that off to get the rack out)

NavySVO · 03-02-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by edzdallas79

4. i'm gonna take a picture of the rag joint tomorrow to see if i should replace it. it seems like a pain cuz you have to punch out the rivets or something.

Just get the kit from the HELP section. It's really easy and worth it now that you have the thing removed.
PM me an email and I will send pics with tips

edzdallas79 · 03-07-2009

i'm putting everything back together and am about to install the new rack. the rack came with a packet of 2 white rings and 2 black rings for the fluid lines. i know the white rings go on the threads of the fittings that screw into the rack itself. i think they are teflon seals. but i have NO clue what the black o-rings are for. anyone know?