I pulled my rack out, changed the bushing, and now I'm having a heck of a time getting it back in. Getting the pinion shaft back in is where I'm running into the trouble. Any advice on making it easier?
Don't bolt the rack to the car, get the shaft onto the rack before mounting anything. This is the hardest part of the whole rack refurb process. Especially trying to keep it straight as you move the rack around trying to get it back on.
I just did this for the first time a month or so ago. He is correct put it in bolt it down about 1/2 of the way down on the passenger side and none on the driver, get the shaft lined up and try to drive it in a little ways with a rubber mallet. Once it is in as far as you can get it with the mallet, bolting the drivers side down will seat it the rest of the way. I found the clear rubber boot way more irritating.
I just did this for the first time a month or so ago. He is correct put it in bolt it down about 1/2 of the way down on the passenger side and none on the driver, get the shaft lined up and try to drive it in a little ways with a rubber mallet. Once it is in as far as you can get it with the mallet, bolting the drivers side down will seat it the rest of the way. I found the clear rubber boot way more irritating.
Simply slide the rubber boot up the steering shaft, then put a small screw driver through the center of the U-joint you now see on the steering shaft. The screw driver will hold the boot up and out of your way till you get the shaft connector onto the pinion shaft of the rack.
As far as the shaft connector goes, you might again use a small screw driver or the like to spread slightly the shaft connector to make it easier to install on the pinion. Once installed back to its original position remove the screw driver. Finally, put a little Loc-Tite blue or red on the connector screw and install to the correct torque. Your done. Oh, be sure to tighten your rack mounting bolts with Loc-Tite and the correct torque. Service manual suggest replacing the rack mount bolts (4)..
Just did this job. It really is pretty easy. You will like the feel of the rack with fresh grease in it!
That's a great idea to keep the boot out if the way, thanks. Does anyone know how deep the shaft is supposed to go in the rack? I can still see about 1/2"-3/4" of it.
Never mind. I looked at it again from another angle and can see that it's as far in as it can go. Now I just need to get it aligned. Thanks everyone for your help.