Steering Rack Rebuild-8

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:06:00 -0400

Tighten the two parts together using a 16mm and 18mm wrench on each side. You need narrow wrenches, particularly the 18mm. Tighten to 43 Ft Pounds.

I didn't have a narrow 18mm, so I used locking pliers over a length of rubber to protect the rack.

Steering Rack Rebuild-9

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:06:00 -0400

Completely assembled, and ready for installation.

A close-up of the assembly.

I intend to do the same with the rack on my car now, and return it to the original owner.

This all took about 3 hours total work, though it was done over several days to allow the paint to dry!

Steering Rack Rebuild-7

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:05:00 -0400

Add the washer you removed.

Add the nut and torque to 11Ft Pounds.

Check to make sure you do not have grease in the vent holes of the long end of the casing

Steering Rack Rebuild-5

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:04:00 -0400

Now time to assemble the parts. I took some time to clean and paint the rack casing, just a bit of vanity.

I greased up all the parts.

Pumped in a good amount of grease, the book says 2.5 ounces.

Steering Rack Rebuild-6

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:04:00 -0400

Insert the bronze bushing, lubed first.

Add a little more grease, then insert the brass spring.

Insert the adjuster until it becomes firm, then back off 1/2 turn.

Steering Rack Rebuild-4

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:03:00 -0400

I cleaned the rack, but the broken boots allowed some rust build-up.

I used this grease for lubing the rack and parts.

Steering Rack Rebuild-3

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:01:00 -0400

My bearings were dirty, but looked to be in good condition.

Same with the brass bushing on the other side.

All the parts out. I kept them in order to make sure I know where to

Steering Rack Rebuild-2

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:58:00 -0400

Pull the brass spring out.

Then carefully pull out the bronze plug.

Steering Rack Rebuild-1

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:56:00 -0400

Steering Rack Rebuild:

As promised I documented the rebuild of the spare steering rack generously given to me by a fellow Opel GT owner.

The following is a step-by-step pictorial of how I did it.

First, it really helps to have the factory repair manual, though I could have done it without it.

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