Steering Rack Removal HELP
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
Steering Rack Removal HELP
So I’m determined to snake the rack out through the passenger side wheel well… since seems this is common method. BUT it seems impossible. I’ve lowered cradle and I don’t see this coming out. Do peeps usually drop the upper a-arm? Is the rack portion outside the car mostly manipulated towards front, rear or up to get it out?
I’ve removed before through the top with radiator out and this is fairly simple... thinking to just do this.
Thanks for any feedback!
I’ve removed before through the top with radiator out and this is fairly simple... thinking to just do this.
Thanks for any feedback!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,419
Likes: 1,598
From: Western NY
I took the rack out of my car, several years ago, when I replaced the harmonic balancer. I seem to recall that I didn't have any big issues doing this. I had the car on stands, with both front wheels off, and although it was a little "dicey", I was able to work it out without too much trouble....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
I took the rack out of my car, several years ago, when I replaced the harmonic balancer. I seem to recall that I didn't have any big issues doing this. I had the car on stands, with both front wheels off, and although it was a little "dicey", I was able to work it out without too much trouble....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,419
Likes: 1,598
From: Western NY
Yes. "Jonessw20" mentioned that he got his through the LH wheel well, so now I'm not 100% sure which well I worked it out through. As I said, I did this several years ago. However, I DO remember going to the right side first, and I'm pretty sure that I continued in that direction...I know for sure, however, that I did not lift it through the top.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,977
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
That is the way we do it. It helps to have another set of hands to keep the tie rod ends from catching on things.
Last edited by 93Polo; Jun 27, 2018 at 12:18 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
I didn’t remove any of the suspension that I remember. The biggest issue I had was catching on the brake lines and getting the subframe pried down enough to clear. I was gonna try the passenger side but the bulkiest part of the rack is on the driver side. Wasn’t worth trying to snake that all the way across it seemed.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 12,466
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From: Fort Wayne IN
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Go out the drivers side. Much less distance for the large bits to travel. I've done it a few times and it's come out the drivers side every time without too much fuss.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,759
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From: Wisconsin
Racer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 299
Likes: 33
From: Chambersburg PA
When I did my cam install I removed mine through the drivers side wheel well. I only had to loosen the front two cradle bolts (not rears) and inserted a large flat blade screwdriver between the frame and cradle, two light taps with hammer got me enough room ( no more than .25") to remove the rack. Tapped screwdriver in right beside the mounting bolt.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1,219
From: Wisconsin
It doesn't just come straight out, it's been a while but I remember having to tilt it up the pass. side and twisting it out the drivers side. my radiator and fans were out, only the A.C. condenser was left
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 343
From: Long Island New York
Drivers side would be easier, I had to go out the passenger side because I had a wall preventing me from bringing it out the drivers.
I had my stabilizer removed, cradle dropped 1/2 to 3/4 had to rotate it constantly to get it out but it did get there with a little bit of patience
I had my stabilizer removed, cradle dropped 1/2 to 3/4 had to rotate it constantly to get it out but it did get there with a little bit of patience
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 267
From: So-Cal California
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
Done this job a bunch. As others have said lower the cradle running the bolts down to the last few threads and inserting large screwdrivers. Make sure to move the EBCM bracket up using the lower holes in the upper holes position. Slide the rack towards the passenger side to get it out of the mounts. Now with a little twisting and a extra set of hands it will go out the drivers side of the car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 786
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
I got it out... frustration got the best of me last night trying to complete it after work. Knowing it’s possible helps, so thanks for that.
Went thru the pass side, but will try drivers when putting rebuilt unit back in.
Went thru the pass side, but will try drivers when putting rebuilt unit back in.
