steering collum/rack linkage

[Red coupe]

Im trying to put the steering colum back into the splines for the rack and im having a hell of a time. I got the engine suported by the pully and the front x-member unbolted. when I try to rise the crossmembet to slip the 2 together they dont wan to go, I got it in about a centimeter in but it wont go anymore, I dont want to but to much stress on the steering colum by forcing, anyone here replaced a rack, or had to seperate and put these back together? any tips for a newbie mechanic?

[Nismo_Freak]

I'm kinda lost as to what you are trying to do.

Can you take a picture?

[2Fass240us]

Getting the two back together is a huge PITA, and that was with my engine out! I ended up having to loosen my crossmember too, push it up with my knee to get it to line up, and snugged the crossmember bolts when I had it close. Then I tightened up the steering "knuckle" bolts and then the crossmember bolts.

I'm unsure as to how I would've done this with an engine in the car... But I can recommend putting some heavy lithium grease on the steering shaft and knuckle splines.

Good luck,Andy

[Red coupe]

yeah Ill get a pic in a bit...but im just gonna get the crossmember back up and its getting AAA free tow to the shop, I was going to do the timing chain this spring break but break is over and I dont have enough time(or experiance to be honest) to get it done myself.on the bright side even though Im 20 and can easily afford it by my self, my parrents still said "well we might just help you out with the coast" so with them paying hopefully about half and me already haivng the parts , it hopefully wont coast me much. plus it gave me an oppertunity to get more polyurithain in place of old soft rubber (the bushings on the stearing rack a REALY soft)

[Nismo_Freak]

Interesting.

I remember this being a pain, but I don't ever having to go out of my way to install it again?

Helps to have someone turning the wheel slightly as you apply pressure down on it.

[Ender_Zero]

hehe, i remember having some trouble with putting mine back in, then i put it in and the wheel is sideways when im driving straight. someday ill fix it.... you really need a buddy to help you with it imo to get it right.

[Nismo_Freak]

hehe, i remember having some trouble with putting mine back in, then i put it in and the wheel is sideways when im driving straight. someday ill fix it.... you really need a buddy to help you with it imo to get it right.

Haha, yeah I hear you ... my wheel is crooked too.

[2Fass240us]

Thought you guys might find this interesting:When I was reconnecting my rack to the steering cloum, I lost where it was supposed to be connected because I failed to mark it when I took it apart.

So I hooked 'er up and counted the number of turns between locks. Then I approximated the middle, unhooked the column, turned the wheel straight, and reconnected it. It now gives the roundabout the same number of turns to lock in either direction.

[Ender_Zero]

cool, good idea maybe when i get unlazy ill try it.