Steering rack - what am I doing wrong?

[Ducman]

Intending to replace tie rods so I thought I'd pull entire rack out - inspect, lube + it seems like it will be easier to remove old tie rods.

Anyway - tie rods are loose from the steering arms, steering input shaft is removed at the bushing, rack attachment bolts are removed - but I can't seem to find the way to fish that thing out!

The Haynes manual indicates that I need to "remove the right reinforcing crossmember brace" this brace is a permanent part of my crossmember? My crossmember is a tubular piece - I've seen a picture of a later unit that looked more like an H-beam with a removeable brace.

Even if this brace were removeable it doesn't look like I could get the rack out? Do I need to lower the whole crossmember? Can I do this without removing front t-bars? Other options look to be removing the brake MC and lines - this doesn't thrill me either.

Help


Thanks,

Don

[randywebb]

the Xmember needs to be removed

[Ducman]

Originally posted by randywebb
the Xmember needs to be removed

Looking at this some more - is there any reason I can't carefully lower the crossmember without disassembling everything? i.e. remove the front a-arm mounts, remove crossmember mounting bolts and then just lower enough to gain clearance to slide rack out.

Thanks,
Don

[Ducman]

I tried a search using a different term and got my answer - looks like I can easily drop the crossmember.


Thanks,

Don

[randywebb]

post the good & bad terms for the next guy...

good luck on the project

[arcsine]

This thread is the best source I have seen for info about rebuilding the rack. I am a proponent of pulling and lubing the rack when doing the tie rods. It only takes a few extra minutes and makes getting the rods off-on significantly easier.

[randywebb]

There was recent thread by a guy who left the rack in place and pumped in new grease.

- what do people feel about the advisability of that?