Rack and Pinnion Assembly

[Frogman]

Hey guys, do you know of any tricks or tools that will assist me in removing the Rack and Pinnion assembly from the car? Mainly, the PS line going into the R&P? This is my 2nd FORD Remanufactured one. The First one sent out to me had the D on the spline 180dgrees off center, so my steering wheel was upside down when the wheels were pointing straight.

Any tips and tricks would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[unity]

Why not just rotate you steering wheel? I think its keyed for four position, each at a 90 degree.

 

[Frogman]

Nope. It isn't....

 

[unity]

Thats odd then. In 96, maybe mid 96, they switch to a four-position. 95 and earlier seem to have the more traditional star-type with many positions.

I had to make custom steering installed in my car, a couple u-joints and stuff, and the result is that my steering wheel ended up near upside down. I did not care because I figured I could rotate it at the steering wheel (thinking star type).

I took mine apart and found it can only be rotated every 90, but only 180 because of the clock-spring interface, so even if I did it, it would not be right so I left it and will adjust it at the rack. Are you sure yours is not that way? If not, its not factory and very odd.

 

[unity]

By the way, I mean the actual steering wheel, not to rotate the entire shaft. Takes ten minutes inside the car. Just need a large torque drive or allen wrench.

 

[94m5]

Keep in mind to pay attention to the airbag clockspring. You don't want to get the steering shaft to far off of center or you'll pop the contacts loose, and disable the SRS system.


My dad swapped out the rack on our 94, and was able to do the lines with just a set of flare nut wrenches from craftsman. I would buy new inner tierods while your at it. IMHO.



Mike

 

[unity]

True, and disconnecting the batter is a good idea, actualyl disconnect and wait 20 minutes for SRS to completely drain of power. One wrong move and POOF! Air bag in da face!

 

[Frogman]

Thanks for the replies, guys. The Steering wheel is already off, as I replaced the clocksprings with a new one. On mine, it's a Single D male spline the steering wheel goes over. It can only go on one way because of the singe D. And yes, the Air Bag module thinghy is laying down, with the airbag end facing up.

I was able to get the rack out from under the car, and I've just bolted it up.

Mike... You know a bit about me. Do I strike you as the type who does something half assed, or the overkill type? :lol:

The rack came with new inner Tie Rods, and I've got a set of Moogs for the outers.

I'm calling it a day today, but I will finish up tomorrow, if all goes well.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[my95mark8]

Why not just rotate you steering wheel? I think its keyed for four position, each at a 90 degree.

They must have had A1 rebuild that one for them.

 

[Dern Humpus]

go aftermarket, moog makes good :q:q:q:q.

 

[Frogman]

Oh, I've got Moog Upper Control Arms and Outer Tie Rods as well as new Motorcraft Lower Control Arms. -Ford doesn't sell just the Lower control arm bushings, you have to buy the whole thing as a complete assembly-.
1 1/4" Addco Swaybar and all new bushings, some poly, some rubber where I could not find poly.

Word to the wise, if you ever need to replace your Rack and Pinnion assembly, do NOT get the R&P Bushings from RockAuto. They are not the correct bushings. Maxx was able to find me some OEM bushings in... somewhere, I cant remember where.