[V8] 1990 V8 New Rack Install & 1 IMPORTANT Question

[dsaad at icehouse.net]

The rack pinion housing fits into a seal of some sort - I don't remember if it
is the foam pad mentioned below, or a seperate piece but either way it seems to
be missing or damaged. You will get all kinds of engine noise and smell (not
good if you have an exhaust leak) if this is not sealed.

I also don't understand how the steering wheel ended up off center?
I think the steering shaft is keyed to the pinion, so if it was OK when you
started, it should still be OK - right? Did he somehow upset the adjustment of
the tie rods? If you look at the alignment procedure, there is a locking pin for
the rack which holds it in its center position. The steering wheel should be
level at the same time. Any deviation from this point will cause problems with
the alignment, and reduce the turning radius on one side.

There is supposed to be a locking plate under the tie rod bolts that would
prevent them from coming loose. Is that plate there, and is it bent over the
bolts so they will not turn?

It sounds like he is just going to re-position the shaft on the pinion if it is
only going to take 10 minutes.

btw, the bolt for the shaft/pinion coupler needs to have locktite or be a
locking nut, and be properly torqued.
It would suck to have something important come loose!!


Dave

Quoting sdewitt at stx.rr.com:

> No insulation is required to be removed, however the entire firewall is
> covered with a foam pad, as well as the trans tunnel and it's possible that
> it was damaged during the repair.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Campozano, Robert" <RCAMPOZANO at mgmmirage.net>
> Date: Friday, July 21, 2006 12:55 pm
> Subject: [V8] 1990 V8 New Rack Install & 1 IMPORTANT Question
> To: V8 Fans <v8 at audifans.com>
>
> > No more puddle!!! I am happy since this guy I found seems to have
> > donea good job with the rack. I have to go back today so he can
> > straightenout the steering wheel since it is a bit off to the
> > right. He said it
> > would take 10 minutes to do. He did find the tie rod bolts to be very
> > loose on the car so he said he went ahead and tightened everything up.
> > Car does feel a bit more solid.
> >
> > Here's the question: Is there any kind of insulation that is removed
> > when the rack is done? I could swear I am hearing more engine and
> > tranny noise (even a possible vacuum leak) then before therefore the
> > cabin is not as quiet. I am going to see the mechanic in about 2-3
> > hours so can anyone give me some ideas? If he forgot to install
> > something back or got lazy I would really like to know.
> >
> > Happy about the non-leaking rack, a bit uneasy as to the engine and
> > tranny noise in the cabin.
> >
> >
> > Zay Campozano | Computer Engineer | MGM MIRAGE(tm)
> > rcampozano at MGMMirage.net
> >
> >
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