I just did a test fit of my cleaned rack on my 96 XJ12 and got all the power steering plumbing, 2 electrical connections hooked up but I just can't get the splined steering column connector to mate with the rack.

I tried prying it open a little but it doesn't seem to want to slide down despite greasing, coaxing etc. Is there something I'm missing here?

I have to loosen the rack off again as I haven't put the lower suspension bolts and arms in.

Should I pry the female connector open more?

 

G'day Oliver,

This is probably a superfluous question but have you taken the bolt completely out of the steering column uni joint?

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

yep mate, it's all cleaned up and greased, no bolt. I just don't know how much to pry the joint open to let them mate up. If you tapped it with a hammer I'm sure the female side would mate but of course you can't ...

 

G’day Oliver,

I’ve had my rack off and on several times and I’ve never had to force it back on or had any trouble separating the shaft from the rack in the first place.

It is highly unlikely that you’ve damaged the bottom uni as it should’ve remained attached to the car. If your components separated easily the they should go back together easily, alignment is critical.

I dunno whether you’re keen enough to remove the bottom part of the steering column and try to fit it to the rack remotely from the car rather than cramped up underneath it. Might be worth a try.

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

I must agree with Jeff, also having had my rack off several times with no problem encountered upon re attachment to the column.
Just to clarify I have attached photo of the said joint, The joint does have very fine spline and I find it easy to access from the engine bay, no need to be under the car.

John Herbert
(1996 XJR)

 

G'day John,

Oliver's car is a V12, as is mine, and you can't even see the top of the steering rack from above let alone work on it so access from underneath is the only way.

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

Yes, does make a BIG difference, I did own a 1982 XJS HE at one time of my Jaguar experience (31 yrs) and do appreciate your increased degree of difficulty with many repairs etc.

John

 

As Jeff says, V12 plus I've got the car up pretty high to reinstall the springs this week. I'm a bit baffled - everything is v clean, I suppose I'll just have to jiggle it around to locate it properly instead of trying to push it down onto the splines...not a lot of wiggle room...

 

I successfully got this sorted out by using a large chisel punch inserted in a socket. By inserting the blade in the steering column receiver I was able to leverage it open with a ratchet, which opened it up enough for it to slide down onto the rack splines.

I used these two wrenches to get the bolt and nut fastened - bolt in right to left, held with this 13mm static wrench , used a gearwrench stubby with my hand up and over downpipe to tighten on