Steering Rack Removal HELP
06-27-2018, 11:00 AM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
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!
06-27-2018, 11:29 AM
#2
Team Owner
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....
06-27-2018, 11:58 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
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....
06-27-2018, 12:07 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
06-27-2018, 12:07 PM
#6
Team Owner
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.
06-27-2018, 12:14 PM
#7
Team Owner
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; 06-27-2018 at 12:18 PM.
06-27-2018, 12:32 PM
#8
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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Joshboody (06-27-2018)
06-27-2018, 12:46 PM
#9
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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.
06-27-2018, 12:52 PM
#10
Team Owner
Out the driver's side. Move to passenger's side first and manipulating the tie rod end and manipulate the driver's side tie rod and it came right out.
06-27-2018, 01:06 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
06-27-2018, 01:13 PM
#12
Racer
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.
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Joshboody (06-27-2018)
06-27-2018, 01:59 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
06-27-2018, 02:31 PM
#15
Melting Slicks
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
06-27-2018, 02:33 PM
#16
Drifting
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
06-27-2018, 06:47 PM
#17
Melting Slicks
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.
06-27-2018, 08:51 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
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.
