steering rack coupler (pinch bolt) problem

[BlackBaer5.0]

I am trying to re-install my steering rack and everything is going well until
While trying to screw in the bolt to tighten up the pinch bolt. I can not seem to get the bolt to catch enough to engage the threads...BTW nothing looks stripped. it just wont go in, I have already tried compression the collar together and then bolting it..but no luck ...


here is a older thread with some good pics to refrence what Im talking about

http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=635348&highlight=steering+coupler+bolt

Also here is the pinch bolt Im talking about ..(arrow)

 

[diablostang]

I did the same thing to mine, applied more pressure and stripped it out. Then when I went to fix it with a tap, the tap broke off on it... Yuccckkk.

I'm no help, but just saying be careful.

 

[jrichker]

If the pinch bolt seems too short, the steering shaft may not be properly aligned with the clamp.

 

[HISSIN50]

Also, did you really have to pry the ears apart before?

Worst case, going backwards and pulling the shaft back out and making sure the pinch bolt can thread in at all might be a way to go (it's how a hamfist like me often checks things out. In the long run, it can save time).

Good luck.

 

[v8only]

i've had this problem, and the ears were indeed pulled too far apart and not lined up. As suggested, try pulling it all apart and straightening it out off the car. worse case scenario, you may need to pick up a new piece if it's fubar'd bad enough.

 

[bubba-dough]

Just to repeat others, I have always removed the steering shaft with the rack. Its only one more bolt and nut (it will take another set of hands to line it back up when you are putting it back on though). Its makes it much easier lining up the splines and the flat spot that goes into the shaft. Also if you have a problem like you describe....you can see everything and know what is going on.

 

[BlackBaer5.0]

Thanks for all your replies..

I never took the pinch bolt off the steering rack, I think I got a little carried away when disasembling the car and I took that pinch bolt out when I took apart the rag joint.. So, I was thinking if I ever tried to pry it...but I dont think I did..

Could I solve my problem like this

Go to the hardware store and find a grade 8 bolt that would fit clear through the original pinch bolt holes and then put nuts and washers on either end and then tighten it down ....

Would this work and would it be safe.....or should I just take the rack back out of the car and go buy a new collar and such ....let me know..

thanks
Geoffrey

 

[8950HO]

From what I remember,that pinch bolt is too short to start with.

The Ford manual say`s to thread it in by hand then tighten it down to 20-30lb-ft.

I knew a guy who started the pinch bolt using a socket and extension and ended up cross threading the threads.

He got pissed off and just bought a new steering flange from Ford and used a longer grade 8 or maybe grade 9 bolt for the pinch bolt.