HELP!!! offset rack bushing install

[1991vert]

well i got the old bushings out and i've come to the conclusion it's physically impossible to get my steering rack mounted back up. i've used jacks, prybars, screw drivers, even a c-clamp, you name it. how do i get this thing back together? this makes installing front coil springs seem like a piece of cake and these are only bushings!!

also on a side note, i was playing with the steering wheel while the bushings were out and i heard this weird noise... i looked up and i had what looked like oil on the underside of my hood and down my fender. it's probably power steering fluid, but i dunno what caused it.

HELP ME!!!!!!!!

 

[shorty1993]

i am not sure that moving the wheel was a good idea at that point, but maybe no harm. i swapped mine not to long ago, and had trouble getting it back up. although i did not try a jack. what i did was take the tie rods lose and that allowed it to have the slack i needed to get it up. maybe that will help you. good luck

 

[1991vert]

how do i get the tie rod loose? disconnect it from behind the rotor? i was going to attempt that and i stopped when i couldn't get the tie rod out from behind the rotor. i gave up at that point, but it's a new day and i'll attack it again. also, did you get the "sleeves" out? mine like dont come out. they're probably a foot long and go all the way back the length of the thru bolt.

 

[1991vert]

helphelphelphelp

 

[1991vert]

no one at all?

 

[shorty1993]

i found that a little slick um will help it out.yes right behind the rotors. i used a tie rod tool. you can usually get on at the hard store on loan. be sure to get new boots for the tie rods, odds are you will bust them. energysuspension makes some nice looking red ones. i picked mine up at autozone. i had very little problem getting the sleeves out, you just have to work with them some, have a little patience it will come. a pair of plyers to grab the end of the sleeve and a small hammer worked wonders on mine. just be sure to lube all that up so it goes back in well. sleeves are full long. take the tires off if you dont already, get the separator (basically a wedge on the end of a bar). may take a couple of tries to break them loose, but it will come.

 

[1991vert]

what's the piece that connects to the back of the rotor, pops through and has a castle nut on it? is that the outer tie-rod? i tried hammering it out and crushed some threads so im gonna need a new one. anyone know?

 

[shorty1993]

thats the tie rod, yeah hammers and tie rods arent exactly a good couple. there is a tool for that, and will not mess up your parts. like i said before maybe only a boot. if you change your tie rods you will have to have a alignment.

 

[1991vert]

i need one anyways because i just finished my suspension and my c/c plates. i should've put the bushings in when i had the a-arms down. can i just use a claw type prybar?

 

[66 Tiger]

I used a puller on mine. Worked perfect. Think I spent around $40. for it but you probably would be able to rent one for less?

 

[1991vert]

i got them out before with just a hammer... i dont understand

 

[shorty1993]

i never had any luck with a hammer, i am always scared of messing something up so am always cautious to use the correct tools.

 

[1991vert]

this will be my car if i can't get these bushings in...

 

[shorty1993]

get a tie rod puller, take the tires off, disconnect tie rods, disconnect steering rack, and it will come.

 

[1991vert]

the rack is already pried off and just flopping there. i should be borrowing a tie-rod puller tomorrow. wish me luck cuz if this doesnt work...i quit.

 

[shorty1993]

just relax and start breathing, if you are quitting now, you want go very far. believe you me everytime i start to do something i want to quit. but i love the feeling of accomplishment when im done. i am a not even slightly a mechanic, so if i can--you can. just a matter of haveing the right tools for the job. through many hours of disgust i have found that is the trick to every job.

 

[1991vert]

well here's the outcome. i hammered the sides where the tie-rods went in and they just fell out. one outer tierod got destroyed in the process; threading got crushed from a hammer. it better be worth it because in the process i managed to accidently chip my paint. just clear coat htough so no biggy.