Steering rack removal HELP!

roundl · 05-14-2005

Hello all,

I have a 1971 Kadett 1.9l 3-sp auto. I'm trying to remove the steering rack to rapack and replace torn boots. I have a servic manual that describes the procedure. So far I have loosened the collar nut near the splined end, removed the bolt under the steering wheel, removed the tie rod ends and removed the four mounting bolts.

According to the procedure the rack should just pull out. But it's not budging at the collar. I have sprayed judicious amounts of PB Blaster on the splined collar, but it's not moving. Am I missing something here?

GTJIM · 05-14-2005

I see you removed the stopbolt under the steering column but did you: "pull the steering wheel rearward approximately three inches" before undoing the four rack attaching bolts? This is suposed to slide the steering column out of the flexible coupling. Caution: Don't hit anything near the column with a hammer as the shock can damage the collapsable steering column.
HTH

nobody · 05-14-2005

until the collar is opened back up it won't come off. Even then they fight with you. I use a cold chisel to open them back up.

roundl · 05-14-2005

I did try to pull the steering wheel back 3 inches as specified in the manual but it didn't budge. The collar nut was backed off most of the way. Then I tried to pry the collar with a large screwdriver to loosten it. Still nothing. I'll spray with more PB Blaster and let it sit overnight. Was really hoping to get it off to do bench work tomorrow. Rain in the forecast.

nobody · 05-14-2005

The collar bolt is in a pocket on the shaft so it needs to be removed not just loosened.

roundl · 05-16-2005

Thanks nobody and GTJim for the help. Now to rebuild.

05-14-2005	#1 (permalink)
roundl Opeler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: massachusetts Posts: 74	Unanswered: Steering rack removal HELP! Hello all, I have a 1971 Kadett 1.9l 3-sp auto. I'm trying to remove the steering rack to rapack and replace torn boots. I have a servic manual that describes the procedure. So far I have loosened the collar nut near the splined end, removed the bolt under the steering wheel, removed the tie rod ends and removed the four mounting bolts. According to the procedure the rack should just pull out. But it's not budging at the collar. I have sprayed judicious amounts of PB Blaster on the splined collar, but it's not moving. Am I missing something here?

05-14-2005	#2 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	I see you removed the stopbolt under the steering column but did you: "pull the steering wheel rearward approximately three inches" before undoing the four rack attaching bolts? This is suposed to slide the steering column out of the flexible coupling. Caution: Don't hit anything near the column with a hammer as the shock can damage the collapsable steering column. HTH __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved

05-14-2005	#4 (permalink)
roundl Opeler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: massachusetts Posts: 74	still no budge... I did try to pull the steering wheel back 3 inches as specified in the manual but it didn't budge. The collar nut was backed off most of the way. Then I tried to pry the collar with a large screwdriver to loosten it. Still nothing. I'll spray with more PB Blaster and let it sit overnight. Was really hoping to get it off to do bench work tomorrow. Rain in the forecast.

05-16-2005	#6 (permalink)
roundl Opeler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: massachusetts Posts: 74	That did it...made a correction in the service manual Thanks nobody and GTJim for the help. Now to rebuild.

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05-14-2005	#3 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	until the collar is opened back up it won't come off. Even then they fight with you. I use a cold chisel to open them back up.

05-14-2005	#5 (permalink)
nobody No Access Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: in transit Posts: 3,873 Provided Answers: 1	The collar bolt is in a pocket on the shaft so it needs to be removed not just loosened.

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