Removing the Steering Rack

[andyf]

Ok so I'm about ready for the MOT when I discover that the NS rack gaiter is leaking I've got a replacement but the track rod end lock nut seems to be stuck in place, probably rust welded

Does anyone have any hints as to how I can free it off? I've soaked it with WD40 but it doesn't seem to be having much effect. Or has anyone removed the steering rack from a roadster, and if so how much of the car do you need to disassemble to get it out?

[stevejgreen]

Re: Removing the Steering Rack

IMHO WD40 is pretty much useless as a thread lubricant. Much better to try PlusGas or in desperation a 50/50 mix of acetone (nail polish remover) and brake fluid or any other fine oil.

[b_caswell]

Re: Removing the Steering Rack

I assume this is a Marina based car its lot of work to remove the rack and nothing to gain in getting the track rod end off . If your careful a blow torch to warm things up a bit leave the ball joint attached to the steering arm while your fighting with it and use a long spanner or if desperate a pair of stilsons on the lock nut. two shredded wheat should do it.

[stevejgreen]

Re: Removing the Steering Rack

Ok so I'm about ready for the MOT when I discover that the NS rack gaiter is leaking I've got a replacement but the track rod end lock nut seems to be stuck in place, probably rust welded

Does anyone have any hints as to how I can free it off? I've soaked it with WD40 but it doesn't seem to be having much effect. Or has anyone removed the steering rack from a roadster, and if so how much of the car do you need to disassemble to get it out?

Did you resolve your wheel bearing issue, I presume so, if you are further down the MOT route.

Removing a rack from a Marina based car is as Ben suggests a long winded job and probably best avoided, if at all possible as the rack needs to be threaded through body panels that don't really leave enough clearance, less so when a ball joint is permanently attached.

Seized nuts are a game of patience, unless you are in a hurry. A mis directed heat source can be very damaging, as can brake fluid and acetone, Plus Gas less so.

[andyf]

Re: Removing the Steering Rack

Yes patience is the key. After another soak with WD40 the track rod end can be undone but the lock nut is still refusing to play ball so I'll leave it to soak for another day!

I've sorted the wheel bearing problem it was oval by about 0.02mm so I have centre dotted them both now I have minimal movement which should be ok for the mot. I'm going to attack it with the locktite when the weather warms up.

[b_caswell]

Re: Removing the Steering Rack

The thing with WD40 is that is now a brand name and not just the water repellent of old the WD40 product what you need is WD40 "Specialist"( http://wd40.com/ ) that is a high performance penetrating oil.(also so diesel works quite well... If all else fails you could use a nut splitter and then replace the lock nut.