5000 Steering Rack Experiences

[Rob Silcher <rsilcher@mc4adm.UWaterloo.ca>]

Just changed the rack on my 5000 on the weekend.  Many, many, thanks to 
Bill Samaras for the indepth instructions - I wouldn't and couldn't have 
done the job myself without them.

I'd like to add a few comments on my own experience.  Although Bill's 
instructions said to keep one of the hydraulic lines attached (the pump 
line), I couldn't get the rack out with the line attached. I removed it 
and the rack came out easy.  It was kind of like delivering a baby - at 
first you can't imagine the rack will come out but it does.

Another thing to note, it was much easier to put the new rack in with the 
wheel removed. In fact I couldn't get the rack in with the wheel on (I 
know if I got the old rack out with the wheel on the new one must go in 
with the wheel on). After trying for 45 minutes, I took the wheel off and 
presto the new rack went in.

Finally, although the instructions say this is definitely a two-person 
job I did do it myself.  The only help I needed was bleeding the system 
(one person steer lock to lock, the other add fluid) and tightening the 
steering column flange to the rack (one person press on the steering 
while, the other tightens the nut).  The whole job took about 8+ hours, 
much longer than the norm but doing it myself probably cost me alot of 
time.

Thanks again to Bill!

-Rob Silcher (owner of a non-leaking 5000CSTQ)