Steering Rack Install - how do you get it back in there?

[jsutton]

I've pulled the steering rack and fitted the replacement together with new tie rod ends (ball joints) and am trying to fit it back into the steering column coupler.

How is this done to get the male end of steering rack into the female aluminum squeeze block at the bottom of the steering column shaft? Tips? Tricks?

Does it work best or only if you attempt to align the parts in a straight line - steering column into steering rack spline?

Can you hammer the bottom nut on the steering rack in an attempt to drive it into the sterring column squeeze block.?
Bentley is totally useless on this procedure/ technique as most others.

Any learned help is appreciated.
Thanks.

[lozer]

I always pried on the opening with a small pry bar with twisting pressure and if that dient get it all the way in the i would lightly tap on the back of the female end to seat it use caution tho u could break the seal.

[jsutton]

Maybe I need to pry them open harder than I have been.

BTW< does anyone know of a DIY article on steering rack replacement anywhere on the web? I checked the usual great places and didn't see one.
Jim

[Rick V]

other than prying and making sure the rack is perfectly in line with the coupling you just need to hold your jaw in the right manner

[parolof]

don't know about how the BMW's rack, but when I did the same work on my MGB I used a special tool to make sure rack aligned up perfectly with the steering column