Quote:
Originally Posted by Rwm514
I'm stuck getting my new steering rack installed. I pulled the old one off and removed the splined pinch top end of the rag joint with the rack. I dissembled the rag joint and cannot get the top end to slide back up the splined rod that comes down from the steering column. I'm assuming i must have damaged the end of the splined rod which is causing me difficulty getting the pinch to slide back up the rod. I can't really see any damage but I did bang it a few times trying to get the rack out. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
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#1 do not spin your steering wheel around and around. it has a clock spring in it. that clock spring will get messed up if you do this. if you have already done that... too late maybe. I think it can go around like 2.5 times before it's hosed up.
#2 cleanup the steering column splines, wire brush on a drill works great but just make sure they are clean. once clean give them some lube, WD or just some all purpose grease works great.
#3 it's a pinch type of connection so the gap you see in the top of the rag joint connection can be pried apart a bit. you might have to use a big screw driver or a chisel and tap it into that gap. spread it open is the name of the game. if you can get something to stick in there while you guide the steering column spline back into place that is idea.
it will have some memory of being pinched for 20 years so forcing it apart a bit is probably going to be needed.
I think it's easier to have the top/bottom of the rag joint separated. you can then take the top to the bench and do some pounding to wedge something into that gap and open it up. you should be able to easily slide the top of the rag joint up onto the spline.