Questions on rack & pinion replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 199
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From: Canyon Lake California
Questions on rack & pinion replacement
I will probably be changing the rack & pinion in my '88 Vette this weekend. I seem to remember that someone posted a nice write up on the entire procedure...with pictures. I thought I found the link but it was no longer active. Is there a new link to the same information?
The key piece of information I'm looking for is the size of the pickle fork I'll need to pop the tie rod ball joints out with. Anyone know? I think the write up (that I can't find) stated the size that is needed.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Greg Sullivan / Canyon Lake, CA.
The key piece of information I'm looking for is the size of the pickle fork I'll need to pop the tie rod ball joints out with. Anyone know? I think the write up (that I can't find) stated the size that is needed.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Greg Sullivan / Canyon Lake, CA.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
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Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Questions on rack & pinion replacement (Greg's '88)
I think that was or used to be Craig Marchos tech page for the rack replacement.Btw I didnt use a fork but a 6 inch puller and popped the tie rods off easily.I already had that in my tool box and it did the job.
Btw,if you buy a tie rod puller from an auto parts store,it may not fit.I found the pitman arm puller,which is like the tie rod puller,only larger,will fit the tie rods on the Vette easier.A tie rod puller I bought once but took back wouldnt fit.Mustve been for cars with smaller tie rod ends bit it never specified what cars to use it on.
Sorry dont know the fork sizes...I never used them.
:)
Btw,if you buy a tie rod puller from an auto parts store,it may not fit.I found the pitman arm puller,which is like the tie rod puller,only larger,will fit the tie rods on the Vette easier.A tie rod puller I bought once but took back wouldnt fit.Mustve been for cars with smaller tie rod ends bit it never specified what cars to use it on.
Sorry dont know the fork sizes...I never used them.
:)
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 296
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From: Auburn ca
Re: Questions on rack & pinion replacement (Greg's '88)
if you search under archives for user jtfrog i have the post. If you cant find it let me know and i can probably send it via email. Try this also
http://tempcorvetteforum.net/c4/marc...k_replace.html
http://tempcorvetteforum.net/c4/marc...k_replace.html
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 416
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From: Westfield MA
Re: Questions on rack & pinion replacement (Greg's '88)
I replaced my rack and pinion last year. I did not use a "fork" to remove the tie rods. I used my wife's blow dryer to heat the area and then hit it with a brass hammer. You have to loosen the nut until its flush with the end of the stud before you hit it. The blow dryer doesn't put out enough heat to damage anything. The tie rod end popped out with just a couple of light taps with the hammer. The aluminum housing expands faster than the steel rod end with a little heat.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 199
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From: Canyon Lake California
Re: Questions on rack & pinion replacement (SS409 425HP)
Wow! I love this forum! Having access to this much information makes working on my Vette so much easier. Thanks to each of you for the great ideas and feedback.
By the way, I found the link that is still active. Here it is: http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/mar...k_replace.html
Greg Sullivan
Canyon Lake, CA.
[Modified by Greg's '88, 7:26 AM 4/26/2003]
By the way, I found the link that is still active. Here it is: http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/mar...k_replace.html
Greg Sullivan
Canyon Lake, CA.
[Modified by Greg's '88, 7:26 AM 4/26/2003]
