tomc_85.5_944

Got the thing resealed, cleaned, etc, and go to put everything back together per Clark's garage. Only deviation has been the non-installation of the centering bolt, as I figured that I would just reposition the steering wheel when I am done. The left side of the rack is loose in the brackets, so I can move it around and get the universal clamp on top of it, with the flat spot on the ribbed piece of the rack where it needs to be.
The universal clamp that fits the ribbed stob coming out out the top of the rack WILL NOT go back on. I had a heck of a time getting the darn thing off, thinking that I would try to wedge the clamp apart before reinstalling it. Tried to spread it apart, with no luck. After spending a good two hours on it, I am ready to pay someone to come to my house and do this. Any suggestions, or any takers?

Thanks,

Tom

IPSC

I just did this last weekend so I can relate to the frustration. OK the clamp that goes over the spline on the top of the power steering rack needs to get spread apart. The spline is slightly larger than the clamp. I took a large screw driver and inserted it into the notch to spread the clamp open while I pulled down on the clamp. When it finally goes on it it will go on quickly. I was way worried about getting the splines lined up. I thought it went back on perfect but I wound up having to move the steering wheel one notch over on it's spline. I also had the car alligned as it needed it anyway.
If you can get someone to push from the top while you spread the clamp it would be helpful. Try that and get back to us. Alas I am out of the state or i would come take a crack at it.

IPSC

Travis - sflraver

IPSC,

well said. I don't think I could have offered better advice for that myself.

Another thing you may want to do is give it a good soaking with some WD-40.

tomc_85.5_944

Thanks! I'll try the screwdriver thing in the notch while pulling down, assuming I have any strength left in my arms....

austin944

I put it back on without much trouble. From the top of the engine bay, I inserted an extra long socket extension and put the head of the extension on the corner of the clamp. Then you give the extension a few raps with a soft hammer. It will take a few raps to get it on there. Make sure you grease the splines with anti-seize. Edit: Also make sure the clamp is on straight and lines up with the splines and use soft taps initially.

mark944turbo

Also, if you are really having trouble, you could take the rack down again and clean up the little teeth with a file, maybe grind them down that little bit to get it started. It is a pain, but you will get it.

seb928s

Another vote for some WD-40 to get it nice and slick and it will go right in.

jaibeiber

well for me, i had to get a small hand clamp. and some how i fit it on the rack and clamp. i frikken bent the clamp to hell tightning it. but it worked. i tryed the screw driver thing and had no success

IPSC

Ohh yeah i forgot the WD 40 sorry but yest that was a big help. Let us know if you got it?

IPSC

tomc_85.5_944

Got it!!! All it took was 4 hands. My neighbor came over and helped. He worked from the bottom of the car and I used the socket and extension method from the top, and with the screwdriver wedged in the joint, it went together beautifully, in about 5 minutes, once I started hammering.

Thanks for all the advice. Now have another more serious issue concerning a huge leak, but that is for another topic.....

Zero10

I used bearing grease to help it slip on. WD-40 seems to make things bind up a bit once they get moving.