I am trying to remove my very leaky rack. I have everything disconnected, including the bolt in the steering linkage, but the rack will not come out of the linkage at all. I have PB blasted it and trying prying it off but it does not budge. NOt much room to work in there either.

Any suggestions or tips to break it free so I can get it out?

Thanks

 

Take a big flathead screwdriver and pound it into the split on the connector to pry it apart, then pull it off.

 

I assume you have 'completely' removed the pinch bolt not just loosened?

 

Yes bolt has been removed. Already tried the big screwdriver in there, maybe I need a long chisel or something a bit fatter to get in there.

 

Keep at it. That's really the best way. I also assume you have tried removal from both ends of the steering shaft?

Sometimes hitting it with a hammer helps wake it up.

 

Absolutely. I used the flat end of a large crowbar to spilt the knuckle apart. Bigger the better I guess.

 

I had quite a time getting mine off as it was rusted to the rack splines basically.

I ended up beating the hell out of it with a pickle fork/tie rod remover from autozone. See my thread here....

https://rennlist.com/forums/944-turbo-and-turbo-s-forum/391926-rack-removal-w-steering-shaft-removal-probs.html

Unfortunately, you will likely ding up the pinion housing a little, but no big deal. The U-joint has a tiny amount of play in it which it did not have before from all of the beating. This is noticeable when turning lock to lock, normally I feel a click at least once. I can live with it until I need to take my motor out, at which point I can replace the shaft!

 

Thanks everyone, the rack from h*ll was finally removed last night. I used a long thick screwdriver and found just the right angle that not only spread the side but went up as well, 30 minutes of constant pounding and it finally came free. Discoverd the return hose is rotted from rust so have to wait on a new one before I can reassemble. Will clean the connection up really well and use some non seize on it. Let's hope I have a long time before needing to do this again.