Steering Rack Removal

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: File: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.