8 replies to this topic

[hendredon]

I know from reading previous posts that the rear end of the subframe needs to be lowered in order to remove/install the steering rack. My question is where should the jackstands be placed when doing this. Obviously, they can't be placed under the subframe. Looking around underneath the car I really can't see a good spot.

I would really appreciate the help because I have everything apart and I can't remove the rack without lowering the subframe.

Thanks!

[hendredon]

I know from reading previous posts that the rear end of the subframe needs to be lowered in order to remove/install the steering rack. My question is where should the jackstands be placed when doing this. Obviously, they can't be placed under the subframe. Looking around underneath the car I really can't see a good spot.

I would really appreciate the help because I have everything apart and I can't remove the rack without lowering the subframe.

Thanks!

Can anyone help - I'm in a bind here!!!

[andrew_the_fox]

bump

becaue your fu.ckin brave for even thinking of doing that yourself

[Drew]

That was me..... Friggin logIn...
DougA

[hendredon]

Ummm. It really isn't that big of a job really.

Anyway, when I did mine I put the jack stands directly behind the subframe mounts. Use small sections of 2x4 to spread the load and you'll be fine.
The best advice I can give you on this is to use good heavy duty stands. Not the $9 ones from wall mart. And make sure you have a stubby 16mm open end wrench to remove the lines. My stubby wasn't stubby enough and I ended up cutting the end off to make it shorter.

Take is slow and plan on the better part of a day for the work.
Good Luck
DougA

Thanks for the tip. How far did you have to lower the subrame. And do you have to support the engine with a jack when you do this? I have everything else off (including hydraulic lines) except the steering spline. I'm letting it soak overnight with PB Blaster. I'm assuming you have to knock it off with a hammer and pry bar??

[Drew]

My steering shaft slid right off the splines if I remember right. I think you have to totally remove the bolt for it to come loose. Bear with me, It's been a few years since I did it.

I remember wondering about the sub frame and motor as well. I had the motor supported with a jack but it wasn't needed. I actually had to pull down on the sub frame to get the rack out. It didn't drop but inches.

I think I had an extra jack stand up at the front of the car near the radiator as well "just in case" but it wasn't needed.

Unbolt the rack and slide it out the side. I think I went to the drivers side.

The biggest pain in the arse was getting the 2 lines re-threaded/lined up. There's just no friggin' room in there!!

Like I said, go slow, and you should be fine. Just make sure everything is supported well before you go climbing under there.
DougA

[hendredon]

My steering shaft slid right off the splines if I remember right. I think you have to totally remove the bolt for it to come loose. Bear with me, It's been a few years since I did it.

I remember wondering about the sub frame and motor as well. I had the motor supported with a jack but it wasn't needed. I actually had to pull down on the sub frame to get the rack out. It didn't drop but inches.

I think I had an extra jack stand up at the front of the car near the radiator as well "just in case" but it wasn't needed.

Unbolt the rack and slide it out the side. I think I went to the drivers side.

The biggest pain in the arse was getting the 2 lines re-threaded/lined up. There's just no friggin' room in there!!

Like I said, go slow, and you should be fine. Just make sure everything is supported well before you go climbing under there.
DougA

I can see a fair amount of rust on the spline (kinda suprised it's not greased) that's why I'm letting the PB soak overnigh

I know what you mean about the fluid lines - it took me an hour for the the lower one and about a half hour for the upper.I used a "crows foot" and a long ratchet extension, but it was a painstaking process.

Thanks again for your help. Check this posting tomorrow night and I'll fill you in.