Hi,
I'm in the middle of replacing the LH(driver side in the US) engine mount and got stuck at removing the steering rack column.
I did undo the lower pinch bolt but the splines didn't slide out at all (badly corroded... moved about 1mm). So I tried to undo the upper bolt but it sheared.
Can anyone guide me to remove the column?
Thanks in advance,
JW

 

Penetrating fluid, slip a screw driver into where the lower pinch bolt resided, and hammer up on the screw driver handle. It will take some tries but that will help you. When you finally do have it out, clean the splines with a wire brush to remove the corrosion.

Do not use the black cap on the steering rack as a fulcrum to lever from. You will bend or break it.

 

torch

if you screw up get a new column from ebay 🤷‍♂️

 

Put the bolt in from the other side (into the threaded side ) and a bit of 25 thou feeler gauge in the slot . wind in the bolt against the feeler and it will push the joint open. Leave it in for when you re fit or do the same to the new one to make it easy to fit. There is a picture of this in my post on replacing the starter motor.

 

Unfortunately, I already did. Does this cause any oil leak? Is the black cap replaceable?
Thanks!

 

Read thread #4 again.

 

thanks. I read your post and photos. great idea.

 

Standard motor trade practice ...

 

[UPDATES]
I was able to undo the lower spline using a flat screwdriver bit (1/4" socket) & ball joint removal tool (from Harbor Freight).


Now it's time for a decision.. somehow remove the coupler (the pinch bolt is broken) or just replace the entire steering column. Thanks a lot for your info, guys!

 

Ahh now I see ..broken pinch bolt ...Well if you fit a new on you have to take out the old so you might as well take it out and cut off the joint fit a new one and put it back.. Only spend the minimum on old jags