Eric G

I just completed replacing the oil pan gasket, adding a GTS baffle, replacing the motor mounts, and installing a new steering rack and tie rods. And now I am stuck trying to put in one final bolt! <img border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" title="" src="graemlins/cussing.gif" />

I can't get the bolt all the way through the steering wheel U-joint that goes onto the steering rack. I've lined it up with the groove and can get the bolt all the way to the hole on the other side, but not through it.

There is a larger, flat area on the steering rack shaft- is this where the bolt is supposed to slide alongside and not just anywhere along the groove on the shaft?

When I center the steering rack (with the dimple behind the plastic cap) and then center the steering wheel, this flat area on the steering rack doesn't line up with the U-joint bolt.

Any suggestions?

Gerry

Make sure you have plenty of grease on the shaft and try moving the u-joint up and down until you find the correct line up spot. Do not force it in with a hammer. Try loosening up the centering pin in the rack and then center it up after you find the grove for the bolt to line up right. Its a little tricky but pretty staight forward.

Eric G

Thanks for the quick reply Gerry.

What do you mean by "loosening up the center pin"?

Can I line up the bolt on the groove that goes all the way around the shaft, or do I need to line it up with that flat spot?

Earl Gillstrom

Eric,

The bolt goes through at the flat spot.

If the steering wheel is at the wrong place when the centering dimple is visible, remove the wheel and position correctly.

Eric G

Thanks, Earl!