Steering Rack/Shaft Question

Just replaced my steering rack bushings because my old ones were getting a little too soft, and I disconnected the shaft in the process. When i went to go put the shaft back in I couldn't quite get it to go in all the way, however, I could get the bolt to go though and I could clamp it down. Is there supposed to be a little bit of an angle to it? Or should it be so far in there that it is a stright line? It drives pretty much normally I haven't had any severe problems so far

 

Essentially, is this far enough in? If not how do I get it in further?

 

I've replaced my steering rack once before. You said that you were able to tighten down the bolt right? As long as it's grabbing the shaft it should be fine. And if it drives fine I think you're ok.

 

Yeah that or it's missing the shaft. Not sure because the end of the shaft is coned like this
====D (kinda looks like a dick) but it feeds in and I thought that was supposed to go PAST the screw, just doesn't feel like it's long enough to do so. Did yours have any play in it or was it completely stright all the way down into the rack?

 

I'll have to check the next time I'm down there but I believe it is straight. It does have play I believe. I don't remember to be honest. I know I had a hell of a hard time pressing the shaft in because it wants to bend. I'm sure someone will chime in. You might want to ask in the What did you do to your 1st gen thread for a quicker response.

 

I'm about 99% sure that the sleeve should be grabbing quite a bit more of those splines than it is in that photo. I'm also about 99% sure that the shaft should be straight with no angle.

 

^^^

 

you're gonna die.
seriously, it should be way farther in there. There should be an indentation on the end of the shaft that the bolt will slide past when fully inserted.

 

but really. remember the body moves on its rubber mounts. a good pot hole could leave you heading down the highway without any steering.

 

Yeah I feel the same way, this just simply doesn't make sense but I guess I'll just have to keep yanking them together

 

How exactly did you go about getting it in? And yeah I may throw it on that thread as well

 

It wasn't easy. After strugging on my own for what seems like an eternity, I had the bright idea of having my girlfriend lift the rack w/my jack while I guided it in as much as I could. Try that, it worked for me.

 

Was literally just thinking about that earlier, like using the jack to lift up the rack

 

Most if not all of the "flat" should be inside the coupler. Use a stout screwdriver stuck into the slot to pry/spread the gap a bit. Try a little at a time, it does not take much. This will let the shaft slide in easier. Common issue.

 

Yeah I tried the screwdriver technique, I need to do that while jacking up the steering rack hopefully it will go

 

The last 5mm of that spline is larger allowing an easier time to get the shaft started. That is why the first portion is easier.
As others have stated, pry slightly apart and walk it down. Make sure the teeth are clean first to same yourself some hassle.

 

Haha i figured it out last year but thanks tho