Steering rack removal, need advise please

I looked at other posts on removing the steering rack but I did not find advice about separating the steering shaft from the pinion fitting. I can't get the steering shaft to move from the spline yoke. I hope someone can help here.

 

I have done it & it is a pain but can be done. You have to loosen the nut that holds the split collar around the spline as much as possible. Then spray the heck out of it with PB blaster. I then took a large screw driver and put it in the slit in the collar and did my best to spread it out. It is hard but you can then push it back & the rack forward to release it. I will see if i can find pics of it & will fwd them to you. Good luck

 

If I understand correctly, the difficulty is at the base of the shaft "linkage" where the steering rod meets the steering box "splined nub", correct?

I had this same difficulty. You need to spread the collar at both ends of the steering rod shaft;
1) at the lower end of the shaft by unfastening the collar at the steering box nub
2) at the connection at the other end on the steering U-joint in these photos.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=138340934&postcount=31

Once the U joint connection is loosened then the rod can be pushed upwards and it gave myself enough space to separate the steering box nub from the rod collar.

Hope this helps.

Scott

 

utah4re, I had the same difficulty, sounds consistent with Scott and Champtc. It is a couple of years since I did this so memory not perfect and my photos and documentation was not up to it then. Attached is a photo that may help. I would have used a long stout flat screw driver (something like 14" long) with blade wrapped in tape. Ease the top and bottom so it slides off squarley. It eventually came off without any damage/marking. Difficulty factor 6/10 compared to 7/10 to replace the left hand steering gaiter in the car. Know that as just done it, right pain.
Kevin
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Thank you for the advise on how to remove the steering rack. I now have it out of the car.

What I need to do now is fix the play from the right side of the rack. I must say that I am surprise that these things wear out with mileage under 50k.

I have removed the two rack cover plates, removed the rubber"O" ring, spring, shims (5), one ball bearing. Now I'm thinking that I have to remove the lock nut and rack joint on the right side. There appears to be a pin that I'm guessing has to be removed. Do I use a hammer and punch to get the fitting loose, it looks like it requires a special tool which I do not have. Next it looks like I have to drill out a rivet or something to get at the area where a support bushing should go. At that point I have to find out what size busing I need to make. If there is anyone who has done this project your advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

I just went thru this. I broke my bearings apart trying to push them thru with a press. I was mad at myself for having undertaken the project when I figured nothing could be wrong (only 30,000 km). I got a little panicky when none of my "go to" guys (Jseleven, omgjon or coop) had done this. Fortunately I stumbled upon John Haller thru the 308 site and found out that he is the rack pro!! I sent him my stuff and he told me that my right inner tie rod was bent 13 degrees and could not be used. This comports with the fact that my car had been hit (hard I guess) on the right front corner. John said it was like the car had been "curbed" where the wheel hits the curb hard enough to bend or break the rim. I chased down 2 inner tie rods (both from the tremendous crew - i mean it- at Superformance)but despite a good effort they were not a 100% match. I need to find another one or have em made. In any case John is a perfectionist and he now specializes in the racks. he has a lot of info & has that technicians point of view & clarity that you will appreciate. He can be searched on this site or 308 site for email. I think he is very bright & on his game (and I am late in telling him what inner tie rod to use!!) Good luck!!

 

John rebuilt mine too.
Great work!
Photos I took at his shop:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=138476540&postcount=39
Steering racks are one of the most overlooked items of Dino maintenance

 

How is the sourcing for a set of inner tie rod ends going?

I may have a "last end, all else failed, and I can wait months" solution for you if you have the mating retaining nut for at least one inner tie rod.

Sincerely,

Scott