Pulling steering rack. Best way to disconnect rag joint?

[Anthrax]

I'm going to be pulling my steering rack to replace both lines. What's the recommended way to disconnect the rag joint and reinstall it while keeping everything lined up? Is there any reason why I cant loosen that very bottom pinch bolt on the shaft and pull the rack out that way? Could I just make match mark on rack and part of the rag joint?

Attached a pic of what I'm talking about. Picture is not mine just something off google.


Thanks

 

[Anthrax]

Here the picture. My idea was too loosen the very bottom pinch bolt and hopefully slide the rack out while making a match mark so I can reinstall it the same way

 

[firemanj92]

Here the picture. My idea was too loosen the very bottom pinch bolt and hopefully slide the rack out while making a match mark so I can reinstall it the same way

Yes, the easiest way is to loosen then remove the pinch bolt completely. The rack has a notch for the bolt to slide into then tighten. Don't forget to secure the steering wheel so it's centered or have someone inside and hold it, either way it's easy to line back up using this method.

 

[APhelps]

Here the picture. My idea was too loosen the very bottom pinch bolt and hopefully slide the rack out while making a match mark so I can reinstall it the same way

what on earth is going on with that joint?!?! Why is there so many washers?

 

[MaineRunna]

what on earth is going on with that joint?!?! Why is there so many washers?

Economy body lift steering spacer!
Undo and remove both bolts, mark the shaft as it can go onto the rack in any clock position. Take a hammer and chisel and use them to spread open the pinch joints at the ends, spray some lube on and slide the lower shaft up the the upper shaft. Be sure to lock the steering wheel, because if it spins around more than a couple turns you will break your $300 clock spring in the steering column.

 

[phattyduck]

Since you are putting back the same rack, just unbolt the rag joint. It will self align back where it is supposed to go... (well, as long as you keep them both within 1/4 of a turn)

-Charlie

 

[mtbtim]

what on earth is going on with that joint?!?! Why is there so many washers?

Looks like it's his version of a body lift. Instead of using a puck that comes with a body lift kit, he chose to use washers instead. I hope I'm wrong because that's a dramatic failure waiting to happen.

 

[mtbtim]

We have a video that shows you start to finish how to perform this job and includes aligning the steering wheel at the end by making adjustments at the rag joint.

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[APhelps]

Looks like it's his version of a body lift. Instead of using a puck that comes with a body lift kit, he chose to use washers instead. I hope I'm wrong because that's a dramatic failure waiting to happen.

Yeah no kidding. If the bolt snaps all the washers are just going to slide out. Really has no business driving the car.