Steering rack bolt removal
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Steering rack bolt removal
I give up. How do you remove the bolts that hold the steering gear/rack to the frame. Aside from getting it up on a lift and getting better leverage, I'm not sure how to break them free. It's a 1993 3.0 with 230,000 miles on it, and I'm pretty sure it has never been replaced. I've got it sitting on jack stands right now. The bolts are about 14-15 inches off the ground to give you an idea of the clearance I've got. If I use a pipe on the handle of a ratchet to extend out the side, unless I remove the sway bar, I don't have any room to move the pipe. Would an electric impact wrench work? I'd hate to put it all back together and drive it to a shop after putting in this much so far. please help
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern California
Don't try to open the bolts. Just use something to hold it. Open the nuts on the other side instead. I'm surprised you are having problems with that. I also have a '93 3.0L and mine came out pretty easily. The nuts are self-locking, so you'll continue feeling friction until they are off the bolts completely, but aside from that I had no problem. Shouldn't be more than a 1-hr job.
Also, when you tighten the bolts, the correct torque is much less than indicated in some manuals. I'll post the correct torque after I got home tonight. Don't go by the manual you have, or you may bust the new rack.
Also, when you tighten the bolts, the correct torque is much less than indicated in some manuals. I'll post the correct torque after I got home tonight. Don't go by the manual you have, or you may bust the new rack.
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Originally Posted by copper_90680
Don't try to open the bolts. Just use something to hold it. Open the nuts on the other side instead. I'm surprised you are having problems with that. I also have a '93 3.0L and mine came out pretty easily. The nuts are self-locking, so you'll continue feeling friction until they are off the bolts completely, but aside from that I had no problem. Shouldn't be more than a 1-hr job.
Also, when you tighten the bolts, the correct torque is much less than indicated in some manuals. I'll post the correct torque after I got home tonight. Don't go by the manual you have, or you may bust the new rack.
Also, when you tighten the bolts, the correct torque is much less than indicated in some manuals. I'll post the correct torque after I got home tonight. Don't go by the manual you have, or you may bust the new rack.
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Originally Posted by copper_90680
Yes, it helps if you have a deep socket. I forgot what size it was, 27mm I think. Otherwise, you might be able to do it with just a wrench.
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