Rack and Pinion Install Help Please

[mcintosh816]

Ok so I am rebuilding my suspension and finding a million other things that need to be replaced including the rack and pinion. I have already got the old unit out and am ready to put the new one in but ran into a problem.

I had the steering wheel dead center when removing the old unit. Now, laying the new and old units side by side it is clearly apparent that the new unit is not centered by looking at the inner tie rods and bellows.

I really would prefer to install the new unit on center rather than having to later pull the steering wheel and realign that in order to have a centered steering wheel. Anyone have any tips on how to get this thing straightened out? I was wondering if its possible to turn the input shaft on the new unit to get it to center up but wasnt sure if that could do any damage without fluid in the unit.

I thought these things came centered when you order them to avoid this kind of issue.

 

[poonman]

Hope these help bro

 

[->PrOjEcTGS<-]

Turn the input linkage to the rack till it's full lock in one direction. Then, turn it till it's full lock the other direction while counting how many turns it takes you. Divide the number of turns by 2 to find out where your center is. Then, turn the input linkage that many turns in the opposite direction. It should then be centered.

 

[Auto RS T]

Center the rack like the one you took out. You can pull on the inners to move them. Measure the ends of the rack housings to get the new one how you want it, mimicking the old rack. Now mark a line down the steering shaft splines and onto the rack housing. Center is now marked.

Install the rack, if the line doesn't line up when you get it in, use your measurements again and the line you marked. Measuring from the same spots.

You should still have an alignment done to straighten things out when you are all done with your steering work and getting the air out of the system.

 

[mcintosh816]

Thanks a million for all the help guys! Got her put in last night. Those power steering lines are a pain to get to in order to torque back down tho!