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        General >> Problems >> Steering rack replacement?
        
(Message started by: cbkz on Mar 29^th, 2004, 12:25pm)

Title: Steering rack replacement?
Post by cbkz on Mar 29^th, 2004, 12:25pm

Sorry i posted this in the for sale section by mistake, it should be here... ???

Does anyone have any experience of changing the steering rack? Is it a hard job (i have no doubt it's a long one)?

Are there any thing to know in addvance to make the job eisier?

Mine is leaking fluid into the track rod gaiter.

Thanks

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by allante on Mar 29^th, 2004, 12:48pm

Funny you should ask! I changed mine yesterday!
Absolute doddle!
Assuming your car is the same as mine except fo rthe speed sensitive steering bit (or maybe you have it?) its as follows:-

under the bonnet you need a 10mm socket and long extension, put the wheels straight ahead and remove the bolt which clamps the joint to the bottom of the steering column, rotate the little plate out of the way and the joint will drop away.

Under thecar, remove the plastic engine shield, disconnect the track rod ends. then i founf the easiest way was to remove the two 15mm bolts which hold the rack to the crossmember, this allows you to pull the rack forwards a couple of inches which makes it easier to get to the10mm bolt which clamps the pipes to the top of the rack, also to remove the connector if you have speed sensitive steering. Having done this the whole lot just comes out.
you should really get new O rings for where the pipes join the rack before you start.

Once out you can swap the steering joint (one 13mm pinch bolt) from the old to the new rack (make sure the rack is in the 'straight ahead' position).

if you have a speed sensitive steering switch on it, this is held on by twop small allen key bolts but if you have a recon rack to fit make sure the machined mating surface is clean before you put it back as on mine it had been painted.

When you refit it, guide the joint that fastens to the column in and attach it loosely before you bolt the rack to the Xmember as if you dont it will flop down and get stuck under the cat....(actually, forget that bit, thats just the V6!)

make sure everything is spotlessly clean before you reassemble it as the slightest bit of dirt in the system can wear the new rack before its time!

torque everything up, fill up with fluid, start the engine, turn it from lock to lock a few times to get the air out and thats about it. sounds long winded but took me about two hours (including tidying up afterwards!)

not the daunting task it first appears to be!

Oh, and dont forget to have it tracked, counting the turns of the track rod ends as you take them off doesnt apply as if the old one was worn it has probably been adjusted to compensate at some time so your tracking will be way out..mine was.

you will also find the pipes are specifically designed to pour fluid straight down your sleeve when removed, must be a ford thing!! ;D

HTH

Andy

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by allante on Mar 29^th, 2004, 12:50pm

oh, and by way of disclaimer, observe all safety rules, dont work under car without stands...disconnect battery etc etc etc, you know how it goes! ;)

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by allante on Mar 29^th, 2004, 12:54pm

PS
If you have an email addy I have diagrams

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by cbkz on Mar 29^th, 2004, 1:26pm

You should have a picture of a little angel not a devil.. (not so manly i agree but you have definitly been a big help .. thank you) :-*

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by allante on Mar 29^th, 2004, 1:32pm

Just emailed you the pics

Im only an angel when im not behind the wheel!

And quit with the kisses! people will start to talk!

(unless of course youre female) ;)

Andy

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by tabs on Mar 30^th, 2004, 1:08pm

Allante

i also need to replace my rack. where did you get your new one from? did you replace your pump? if so where did you get it from? i would appreciate any pics you have.
thanks tabs

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by allante on Mar 30^th, 2004, 1:43pm

tabs,
Have emailed you the pics

Andy

Title: Re: Steering rack replacement?
Post by tabs on Mar 30^th, 2004, 2:09pm

thanks andy i`ll shop around for best price.
keith