Steering rack installation procedure needed Q&D

[George Harris]

Hi Ben:

It does look simple, but I've done it a couple of times, once with the
engine in and once with it out. With the engine out it's not too bad.
With the engine in you have to take the rack out through the hole in the
left wheel well. Personally I think it is a real PITA. The only real
difficult part is getting it out and the new one back in through that
hole. It was so painful an experience my mind has blocked out the details.

Since it was recently replaced the bolts shouldn't be seized with
corrosion, so everything else should be OK. Are you getting new copper
washers with the new rack? If not don't forget to anneal the old ones.

When you are putting the steering gear linkage back together don't
forget the 1/8" spacing of the plastic facia. If you don't snug it down
to 1/8" you get an awful rubbing noise. You also have to be careful
about lining up the serrations on the matching end of the steering wheel
rod and on the top of the rack. They will go together unaligned, then
bind up and cause you no end of frustration.

Good luck
George

ben swann wrote:
> It turns out the massive pentosin leak is due to the recently replaced
> rebuilt rack from supposedly reputable rebuilder widely recommended on
> the list, but I digress.  Anyhow, as we are "stranded" down here in
> East FLA, need a brief procedure on how to replace the rack.
>
> The slow internet connection does not readily permit surfin' the
> archives, so appreciate any help here, since I only threw the
> electrical portion of the Bently in the trunk.
>
> Mainly need any caveats and BTDT.  Doesn't seem to be that bad of a job
> at first glance, but I may be missing something.
>
> TIA
>
> Ben (for Sean Shoemaker & '87 5000 turbo quattro avant)
>
>
>
>