9 replies to this topic

[Neil7744]

Hello,

Need some advice...

Im ready to remove the steering rack to replace with new. U bolts off, steering column nut & bolt off, wheels, hubs, driveshafts etc all off. The steering rack is now loose. The front subframe mounts are out. Towers and rear floor mounts still in place.

Is it best to drop the subframe? Or life the car body?

If dropping the subframe is preferred, whats the best way to put the chassis on stands? I tried using 2 old wheels (with tyres on) underneath the front floorpans, then lowered the car. It sort of worked (with the theory of spreading the weight as much as possible), but am just worried about damaging the floor pan because of the weight of the front subframe and engine! There isd no way i want to jack the car up on my outer sills!

ive thought about putting the subframe and engine on axle stands and then lifting the car chassis, but again am worried about bending or damaging part of the front end.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jonny d]

you don't have to take subby out just drop it a bit at back to do the rack

[evansisgreat]

When I done it I supported the car at the bottom of the front bulkhead with axle stands. I then undone the floor and tower subframe mounts with a pair of trolley jacks supporting the subframe.
I lowered the subframe using the trolley jacks and slipped out the rack, was still very tight. Worth noting I also undone the top engine steady.
Hope this helps.

[Neil7744]

cool.

i plan to use my engine hoist to lower the frame and use a trolly jack for guidance.

i will jack the car as you mention.

any issues with seperating the steering column from the rack? is this splined? put lots of penetrating oil on it as its been like that since 1992!

[Spitz]

if the bolt is removed at the bottom of the steering column....it should let the rack slide out. ( has to be removed, not just loose )

[flatline]

I tried removing mine today,there is no engine or subframe in at the front,ive undone and removed the blot from the bottom but the colum wont come out.

What's the best way to loosen it as ive tried brute force and the floor pan was bending...eek

[chappy]

I tried removing mine today,there is no engine or subframe in at the front,ive undone and removed the blot from the bottom but the colum wont come out.

What's the best way to loosen it as ive tried brute force and the floor pan was bending...eek

if you've taken out the pinch bolt, tap a wedge into the split at the bottom to loosen the splined area.

Sam

[flatline]

I tried removing mine today,there is no engine or subframe in at the front,ive undone and removed the blot from the bottom but the colum wont come out.

What's the best way to loosen it as ive tried brute force and the floor pan was bending...eek

if you've taken out the pinch bolt, tap a wedge into the split at the bottom to loosen the splined area.

Sam

I tried that with a screwdriver,maybe ill try a bigger scredriver tomorrow...lol

[Spitz]

Maybe try to give the rack a sharp little blow from below ( near the column ) to persuade it loose.

[flatline]

Is the plate on the underside just a grease port?