308 QV steering rack removal/installation questions

Hi Folks-

I'm currently replacing the a-arm bushings/ tie rod ends/ flex brake lines/pads/front bearings, etc on my 308 QV.

So, I'm about to remove the steering rack . There is axial play when I pull on the tie rod end (disconnected from the steering arm). It has some slop, less than a millimeter, when I pull it towards me. This is only on the drivers (left) side.

The a-arms are already out of the way.

First question:
I've removed all the frame mounts and loosened the connecting collar to the steering column. Is there a trick to getting the rack off of the steering column/shaft? I assume it just pulls off a splined connection?

Second question:

How do I know that the rack will be reinstalled in the correct position with wheels straight and steering wheel straight? The steering column is locked. I figured I would measure from the box to each tie rod end, and then mimmic those dimensions when I install the rack with new tie rod ends? Any other words of warning? I have not pulled the rack off the steering column shaft yet. So far, I've just marked all pieces with a sharpie. I assume an error here can be fixed during the alignment?

Lastly- it seems like I need to replace the internal bushing/s in the rack to fix the axial play. I'm seen a few photos of this, but was wondering if anyone has some more advice or photos.
I'm already replacing all the frame mount bushings for the rack.

Obvioisly- the car is getting a full alignment/balance when this is done.

Thanks in advance
jwise

 

I think you have to remove the bolt completely to separate the splined-joint (at least I recall that some of these squeezed splined-joints have that as a safety feature so the splined-joint can't come apart if the bolt just gets loosened a little).

With regard to the mechanical "pre-alignment" -- you've got the right approach (assuming each tie rod end is threaded about the same number of turns onto its respective end of the rack).

 

Thanks Steve.

Yea- I did remove the collar bolt and just put a little penetrant on the joint to loosen it up. I'lll pull it apart this weekend.

Anyone have ideas on the internal bushing? There is only one? Would that cause the tie rod (drivers side) to have axial play inside the box?

Here are some progress photos (sure is a lot of cleaning and painting to do):
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Does your wife know that you are using her fancy table for a workbench???

 

AH.....Looks so familiar!

 

Nah- it's just an old solid core door I cut to fit the bay in the basement.
But, she will not be happy to see how I'm using those towels....

Thanks
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Hi Jwise, how are you getting on with this?

A blow by blow account of the rack removal and the inner bush replacement would be very useful. I guess I'm not the only one who should do this job sometime.


What are you doing with the shocks? original or upgrade?

Season's greetings to y'all from snowy Switzerland

 

I'm staying with the old shocks this time around. I hoping to compare ride changes with just bushings right now. Next year I will replace the old shocks with new konis and see how that changes the characteristics also. I'm also trying to split up the cost over time.

I will document this proceedure after it's complete. So far, so good.

 

I'm doing my 30K major first of Feb and then while the car is on stands, I'm going to redo all of the bushings for the suspension as well as QA-1 shocks and Eibach springs. I've got the bushings for the steering rack so I'll replace those as well while the front suspension is out of the way.

 

I just ordered the 2.5 turn quick rack from Superformance for my 77 308.

Does anybody have any experience with this rack? I'm hoping for a livelier
response, as opposed the the lethargic OE steering.

I know I won't decrease the huge turning radius, but at least I'll get to it quicker!!

Greg

 

Greg,

You'll probably also develope Popeye forearms from the increased steering effort. Let us know how it turns out.

Bill

 

I already have 'em, from driving around w/ the stock steering!

I'll post my findings..

Greg

 

Dunno if it's just a bad photo or what... but that pick up clevis looks bent to me....(last picture posted)

 

Phil-
By "pick-up clevis'' are you talking about the mount that attaches the lower a-arm to the frame? If so- good eye! It was cracked and replaced during this job.
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