Steering Rack Removal - Revision history

Geoff: /* Disconnect Track Rod Ends */

2008-07-15T21:34:58Z

‎Disconnect Track Rod Ends

Geoff: /* Disconnect Track Rod Ends */

2008-07-15T21:34:21Z

‎Disconnect Track Rod Ends

Foo: Reworked layout

2008-05-11T13:17:48Z

Reworked layout

Show changes

Candles at 21:13, 12 March 2008

2008-03-12T21:13:17Z

Candles at 14:23, 3 March 2008

2008-03-03T14:23:30Z

Candles at 13:03, 3 March 2008

2008-03-03T13:03:41Z

Candles at 12:41, 3 March 2008

2008-03-03T12:41:28Z

Candles at 10:10, 3 March 2008

2008-03-03T10:10:52Z

Candles at 09:54, 3 March 2008

2008-03-03T09:54:51Z

Candles: Removing the Steering Column

2008-03-03T09:53:10Z

Removing the Steering Column

New page

== Removal of the Steering Rack ==

You've decided to remove the steering rack? Well firstly I'd have to ask why as it is a fairly major undertaking for the home mechanic not owing to the complexity, but owing to the access without a 4-post lift. But if it has to come off, then so be it:

'''Preparation'''

Park the car on a flat paved surface and prepare to get it as high as you can at the front. I achieved this by driving it up ramps at the back, then jacking the front. When you jack at the front, note that you will need to support with safety-certified axle stands as you'll be working underneath. Also, you will be removing the cross member, hence access will be required to the bolts and the normal raft supporting points become mobile once the cross member is removed. The best way is to jack from the raft lifting point, then support with the normal body lifting points. It needs to be secure as it is likely that many of the bolts will be very tight.

'''1) Removal of Cross Member'''

This is covered in the starter motor section of the electrical manual. You are looking to remove this:
[[Image:http://www.rabbower.com/lec/crossmem.jpg]]

'''2) Disconnecting the Steering Column'''

Dive head first into the driver's footwell and first remove the two bolts securing the plate at the base of the sterring column to the bulkhead. Then undo the pinch bolt on the UJ at the base of the steering column.

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 Having removed the roadwheels, split the track rod end ball joints.  If you have trouble undoing the nut because the taper is rotating, don't fret; rejoice as this means the joint will split easily.  Simply squeeze it together with a g-clamp and the friction will be sufficient to undo the nut.  Once the nuts are off, tap the end of the taper with a rubber hammer or use a ball joint splitter.
-Replacement [[Track rod ends]] are Vauxhall Vectra / Carlton and are commonly available in the UK.
+Replacement [[track rod ends]] are Vauxhall Vectra / Carlton and are commonly available in the UK.
 === Accessing Hydraulic Pipes ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:34, 15 July 2008
Line 28:		Line 28:

	Having removed the roadwheels, split the track rod end ball joints. If you have trouble undoing the nut because the taper is rotating, don't fret; rejoice as this means the joint will split easily. Simply squeeze it together with a g-clamp and the friction will be sufficient to undo the nut. Once the nuts are off, tap the end of the taper with a rubber hammer or use a ball joint splitter.		Having removed the roadwheels, split the track rod end ball joints. If you have trouble undoing the nut because the taper is rotating, don't fret; rejoice as this means the joint will split easily. Simply squeeze it together with a g-clamp and the friction will be sufficient to undo the nut. Once the nuts are off, tap the end of the taper with a rubber hammer or use a ball joint splitter.
		+
		+	Replacement [[Track rod ends]] are Vauxhall Vectra / Carlton and are commonly available in the UK.

	=== Accessing Hydraulic Pipes ===		=== Accessing Hydraulic Pipes ===

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 This is covered in the starter motor section of the electrical manual.  You are looking to remove this:
 [[Image:crossmem.jpg]]
 Once I had removed the crossmember I removed the exhaust as it was being replaced anyway.  I'm uncertain as to whether it is necessary but it certainly improves the access.
@@ Line 25: / Line 26: @@
 The hydraulic pipes from the pump/reservoir attach to the rack in a very awkward spot.  To access the unions which will probably be seized, you need to lower the right-hand suspension raft.  This sounds like a nightmare, but actually isn't too bad:
-) Undo anti-roll bar ball joint and separate.
+a) Undo anti-roll bar ball joint and separate.
-) Remove bolt securing the ARB ball joint and suspension strut to the lower wishbone.
-) Undo the three nuts securing the suspension strut-top to the chassis, accessed under the grommets in the engine bay.
+b) Remove bolt securing the ARB ball joint and suspension strut to the lower wishbone.
-) Undo the four clamping bolts holding the shock absorber to the two halves of the yoke that connects it to the wishbone.
-) You should now be able to carefully remove the shock absorber/spring as a complete unit by wiggling it downwards.
+c) Undo the three nuts securing the suspension strut-top to the chassis, accessed under the grommets in the engine bay.
 ''At some point in here you will probably have to remove the wheel arch liner.  Mine was already out, so I don't know what access it affects.''
-) Securely wire the upper wishbones to some part of the chassis above.  Use wire that is shorter than the brake hose, but allows the suspension assembly to move around.
+f) Securely wire the upper wishbones to some part of the chassis above.  Use wire that is shorter than the brake hose, but allows the suspension assembly to move around.
-) Undo the bolt connecting the tubular steadying arm to the chassis attachment point.
-) Undo the bolt that secures the suspension raft to the chassis at the top.  It is the one that clamps through two large plates.
-) Lower raft gently downwards allowing the weight to settle on the wires you fitted in step 7.  Ensure the brake hose is unaffected.
-'''Removing Hydraulic Pipes'''
+g) Undo the bolt connecting the tubular steadying arm to the chassis attachment point.
 You should now be able to see the various hydraulic lines connecting to the rack.  You need to remove the two larger diameter pipes that route upwards rather than the smaller ones that disappear along the rack body.  Clean the area around the unions with a wire brush, compressed air, gunk etc until you can get some WD-40 or similar into the union threads.  I couldn't find a metric spanner to fit either union, so I ended up using an adjustable which wasn't ideal as the size of the jaws limited the amount I could turn the union on each flat.  I'm guessing they are imperial as the cross-reference for the part is Land Rover!  Pre-position a drip-tray of some description to catch the PAS fluid, then start with the lower union and remove them both.  The flex in the hoses higher up is sufficient to pull them clear of the rack body with some effort.
-'''Finally! Rack Removal'''
+'''6) Finally! Rack Removal'''
 Now undo the extremely tight rack-chassis mounting bolts.  The bolt at the gearbox side gets trapped against the gearbox when fully undone so don't use a ring spanner on it or you won't get it back until the rack drops clear.  From the driver's side, lower the pinion out of the aperture that leads to the steering column and slide clear.  I found it easier to work from the driver's side and lower, then pull towards me.  This could be done in a single garage, withdrawing the rack to the driver's side.  I found that the gearbox end bolt fell clear from the trapped position at this stage.
-'''Other Tasks'''
+'''7) Other Tasks'''
 The access now available underneath is unsurpassed without engine removal.  Use this opportunity to recondition the starter, waxoyl the chassis, change the oil etc etc etc.  You will never again be able to get in as easily as this!
@@ Line 52: / Line 62: @@
 [[Image:rackaccess.jpg]]
-'''Refitting'''
+'''8) Refitting'''
 Refitting is the reverse of removal however note the following:
-) Install the intermediate shaft onto the new rack to avoid having to do it through the driver's footwell.  There is a specific orientation for the shaft to aid steering feel which is detailed in the manual.  If the lower UJ is at all stiff or has play, then replace it.  It is the same as many Land Rovers and cross referenced here: [http://www.lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7200&highlight=]
+a) Install the intermediate shaft onto the new rack to avoid having to do it through the driver's footwell.  There is a specific orientation for the shaft to aid steering feel which is detailed in the manual.  If the lower UJ is at all stiff or has play, then replace it.  It is the same as many Land Rovers and cross referenced here: [http://www.lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7200&highlight=]
-) You may wish to shorten one of the rack-chassis bolts very slightly to allow it to be refitted next to the gearbox.  Otherwise it is  almost impossible to reinstall it.
-) Thoroughly clean the PAS hydraulic pipes and leave the blanks in place until the last minute to avoid dirt ingress.
+b) You may wish to shorten one of the rack-chassis bolts very slightly to allow it to be refitted next to the gearbox.  Otherwise it is  almost impossible to reinstall it.
-) Use threadlock on all bolts and tighten to the correct torque: 120nm for the rack-chassis bolts.
-) Refitting the raft is easiest with either an assistant or a hydraulic jack to carefully lift it into position.  The refit the bolt with threadlock.
+c) Thoroughly clean the PAS hydraulic pipes and leave the blanks in place until the last minute to avoid dirt ingress.

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 This is covered in the starter motor section of the electrical manual.  You are looking to remove this:
 [[Image:crossmem.jpg]]
 '''2) Disconnecting the Steering Column'''
-Dive head first into the driver's footwell and first remove the two bolts securing the plate at the base of the sterring column to the bulkhead.  Then undo the pinch bolt on the UJ at the base of the steering column.  Working your way up the column, remove the two bolts securing the steering column tilt mechanism to the crossbeam.  The steering column will now be completely mobile apart from the wiring; be careful!  At this point the manual suggests that you undo the lower UJ from inside the car.  I found this impossible so I didn't.
+Dive head first into the driver's footwell and first remove the two bolts securing the plate at the base of the sterring column to the bulkhead.  Then undo the pinch bolt on the UJ at the base of the steering column.  At this point the manual suggests that you undo the lower UJ from inside the car.  I found this impossible so I didn't.
 '''3) Disconnecting Track Rod Ends'''
-Having removed the roadwheels, split the track rod end ball joints.  If you have trouble undoing the nut because the taper is rotating, don't fret; rejoice as this means the joint will split easily.  Simply squeeze it together with a g-clamp and the friction will be sufficient to undo the nut.  Once the nuts are off, tap the end of the taper with a hammer or use a ball joint splitter.
+Having removed the roadwheels, split the track rod end ball joints.  If you have trouble undoing the nut because the taper is rotating, don't fret; rejoice as this means the joint will split easily.  Simply squeeze it together with a g-clamp and the friction will be sufficient to undo the nut.  Once the nuts are off, tap the end of the taper with a rubber hammer or use a ball joint splitter.
 '''4) Accessing Hydraulic Pipes'''
@@ Line 41: / Line 42: @@
 You should now be able to see the various hydraulic lines connecting to the rack.  You need to remove the two larger diameter pipes that route upwards rather than the smaller ones that disappear along the rack body.  Clean the area around the unions with a wire brush, compressed air, gunk etc until you can get some WD-40 or similar into the union threads.  I couldn't find a metric spanner to fit either union, so I ended up using an adjustable which wasn't ideal as the size of the jaws limited the amount I could turn the union on each flat.  I'm guessing they are imperial as the cross-reference for the part is Land Rover!  Pre-position a drip-tray of some description to catch the PAS fluid, then start with the lower union and remove them both.  The flex in the hoses higher up is sufficient to pull them clear of the rack body with some effort.
-'''Finally: Rack Removal'''
+'''Finally! Rack Removal'''
 Now undo the extremely tight rack-chassis mounting bolts.  The bolt at the gearbox side gets trapped against the gearbox when fully undone so don't use a ring spanner on it or you won't get it back until the rack drops clear.  From the driver's side, lower the pinion out of the aperture that leads to the steering column and slide clear.  I found it easier to work from the driver's side and lower, then pull towards me.  This could be done in a single garage, withdrawing the rack to the driver's side.  I found that the gearbox end bolt fell clear from the trapped position at this stage.
@@ Line 53: / Line 54: @@
 '''Refitting'''
-Refitting is the reverse of removal however not the following:
+Refitting is the reverse of removal however note the following:
 ) Install the intermediate shaft onto the new rack to avoid having to do it through the driver's footwell.  There is a specific orientation for the shaft to aid steering feel which is detailed in the manual.  If the lower UJ is at all stiff or has play, then replace it.  It is the same as many Land Rovers and cross referenced here: [http://www.lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7200&highlight=]
 ) You may wish to shorten one of the rack-chassis bolts very slightly to allow it to be refitted next to the gearbox.  Otherwise it is  almost impossible to reinstall it.
 ) Thoroughly clean the PAS hydraulic pipes and leave the blanks in place until the last minute to avoid dirt ingress.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 3 March 2008
Line 40:		Line 40:

	You should now be able to see the various hydraulic lines connecting to the rack. You need to remove the two larger diameter pipes that route upwards rather than the smaller ones that disappear along the rack body. Clean the area around the unions with a wire brush, compressed air, gunk etc until you can get some WD-40 or similar into the union threads. I couldn't find a metric spanner to fit either union, so I ended up using an adjustable which wasn't ideal as the size of the jaws limited the amount I could turn the union on each flat. I'm guessing they are imperial as the cross-reference for the part is Land Rover! Pre-position a drip-tray of some description to catch the PAS fluid, then start with the lower union and remove them both. The flex in the hoses higher up is sufficient to pull them clear of the rack body with some effort.		You should now be able to see the various hydraulic lines connecting to the rack. You need to remove the two larger diameter pipes that route upwards rather than the smaller ones that disappear along the rack body. Clean the area around the unions with a wire brush, compressed air, gunk etc until you can get some WD-40 or similar into the union threads. I couldn't find a metric spanner to fit either union, so I ended up using an adjustable which wasn't ideal as the size of the jaws limited the amount I could turn the union on each flat. I'm guessing they are imperial as the cross-reference for the part is Land Rover! Pre-position a drip-tray of some description to catch the PAS fluid, then start with the lower union and remove them both. The flex in the hoses higher up is sufficient to pull them clear of the rack body with some effort.
		+
		+	'''Finally: Rack Removal'''
		+
		+	Now undo the extremely tight rack-chassis mounting bolts. The bolt at the gearbox side gets trapped against the gearbox when fully undone so don't use a ring spanner on it or you won't get it back until the rack drops clear. From the driver's side, lower the pinion out of the aperture that leads to the steering column and slide clear. I found it easier to work from the driver's side and lower, then pull towards me. This could be done in a single garage, withdrawing the rack to the driver's side. I found that the gearbox end bolt fell clear from the trapped position at this stage.
		+
		+	'''Other Tasks'''
		+
		+	The access now available underneath is unsurpassed without engine removal. Use this opportunity to recondition the starter, waxoyl the chassis, change the oil etc etc etc. You will never again be able to get in as easily as this!
		+
		+	[[Image:rackaccess.jpg]]
		+
		+	'''Refitting'''
		+
		+	Refitting is the reverse of removal however not the following:
		+
		+	1) Install the intermediate shaft onto the new rack to avoid having to do it through the driver's footwell. There is a specific orientation for the shaft to aid steering feel which is detailed in the manual. If the lower UJ is at all stiff or has play, then replace it. It is the same as many Land Rovers and cross referenced here: [http://www.lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7200&highlight=]
		+	2) You may wish to shorten one of the rack-chassis bolts very slightly to allow it to be refitted next to the gearbox. Otherwise it is almost impossible to reinstall it.
		+	3) Thoroughly clean the PAS hydraulic pipes and leave the blanks in place until the last minute to avoid dirt ingress.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:10, 3 March 2008
Line 14:		Line 14:
	'''2) Disconnecting the Steering Column'''		'''2) Disconnecting the Steering Column'''

−	Dive head first into the driver's footwell and first remove the two bolts securing the plate at the base of the sterring column to the bulkhead. Then undo the pinch bolt on the UJ at the base of the steering column.	+	Dive head first into the driver's footwell and first remove the two bolts securing the plate at the base of the sterring column to the bulkhead. Then undo the pinch bolt on the UJ at the base of the steering column. Working your way up the column, remove the two bolts securing the steering column tilt mechanism to the crossbeam. The steering column will now be completely mobile apart from the wiring; be careful! At this point the manual suggests that you undo the lower UJ from inside the car. I found this impossible so I didn't.
		+
		+	'''3) Disconnecting Track Rod Ends'''
		+
		+	Having removed the roadwheels, split the track rod end ball joints. If you have trouble undoing the nut because the taper is rotating, don't fret; rejoice as this means the joint will split easily. Simply squeeze it together with a g-clamp and the friction will be sufficient to undo the nut. Once the nuts are off, tap the end of the taper with a hammer or use a ball joint splitter.
		+
		+	'''4) Accessing Hydraulic Pipes'''
		+
		+	The hydraulic pipes from the pump/reservoir attach to the rack in a very awkward spot. To access the unions which will probably be seized, you need to lower the right-hand suspension raft. This sounds like a nightmare, but actually isn't too bad:
		+
		+	1) Undo anti-roll bar ball joint and separate.
		+	2) Remove bolt securing the ARB ball joint and suspension strut to the lower wishbone.
		+	3) Undo the three nuts securing the suspension strut-top to the chassis, accessed under the grommets in the engine bay.
		+	4) Undo the four clamping bolts holding the shock absorber to the two halves of the yoke that connects it to the wishbone.
		+	5) You should now be able to carefully remove the shock absorber/spring as a complete unit by wiggling it downwards.
		+
		+	''At some point in here you will probably have to remove the wheel arch liner. Mine was already out, so I don't know what access it affects.''
		+
		+	6) Securely wire the upper wishbones to some part of the chassis above. Use wire that is shorter than the brake hose, but allows the suspension assembly to move around.
		+	7) Undo the bolt connecting the tubular steadying arm to the chassis attachment point.
		+	8) Undo the bolt that secures the suspension raft to the chassis at the top. It is the one that clamps through two large plates.
		+	9) Lower raft gently downwards allowing the weight to settle on the wires you fitted in step 7. Ensure the brake hose is unaffected.
		+
		+	You should now be able to see the various hydraulic lines connecting to the rack. You need to remove the two larger diameter pipes that route upwards rather than the smaller ones that disappear along the rack body.
		+
		+	'''Removing Hydraulic Pipes'''
		+
		+	Clean the area around the unions with a wire brush, compressed air, gunk etc until you can get some WD-40 or similar into the union threads.