Tttiger

2001 convertible 6 speed with selective ride control.

I've read here that some have been able to move the steering rack out of the way to get to the harmonic balancer bolt.

I have everything disconnected and I can't get the rack high enough to clear the bolt. I have loosened the 4 front cradle bolts but it won't drop down. Something is holding it up. I can gently pry it down but it pops back up. I have the tie rod ends disconnected and the steering input shaft loose. The steering rack mounting bolts are out and the sway bar is off. I was trying to avoid disconnecting the fluid lines and be able to just move the rack up a bit.

Any help or tips?

tbrowne

The power steering lines have to be removed to slide the rack out of the way. Once the lines are loose, the rack can be slid over toward the passenger side of the car to get to the balancer bolt. There isn't any other way.

Tttiger

Thanks tbrowne!

vettenuts

Once the rack is loose, it takes all of five seconds to fully remove. Push to passenger side then out and down from driver's side. You will need to flex the tie rods during the process for clearance. Make sure to set the rack so it doesn't drain while its out.

I have had mine out several times, not a big issue.