Power Steering Rack -- Solved

[maclonchas]

Folks,

I am not matching up this steering rack with the install instructions for the complete MK4 kit. I have looked at other builds and my rack does not seem to match and I do not want to force fit the rack until I am sure I have the right rack and the correct fittings.

The manual on page 138 shows the parts which do not match my rack. I know it is a manual rack, but the first step on page 139 is putting bushing and sleeves into the mounting bosses.

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Here are two pictures of my mounting bosses that have those items pre-installed, but different. See that they have soft rubber mounts and hard metal insert. Is this the new style or am I supposed to remove those items from the mounting boss? Another problem arrises if that is the case as I do not have the hollow tubes with my kit. I will work that problem separately once I get my first question answered.

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Thanks for the help in advance.

Bill

[Jeff Kleiner]

The bushings that came installed are incorrect for our use. As stated in the manual they need to be changed out for the 3 piece bushings shown here at the top of the photo:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4558/26423910969_b44fcae686_b.jpg

The originally installed ones that are to be removed from the rack are on the bottom.

The correct bushings and sleeves should be included with your complete kit.

Jeff

[maclonchas]

Thanks to Jeff, I was able to get the power steering rack installed this afternoon

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Installed the tie rods (thanks edWardB) without cuts to the rods and get the length to 53 1/16".

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Finally got the pillow block and flange bearing loosely installed. I will look to see if I need to reverse the flange bearing as edwardB noted in his build.

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Cheers,

Bill

[Jeff Kleiner]

Bill,
I can see by your photos that you have the two halves of the flange bearing retainer sandwiching the footbox front wall. This is incorrect; both halves are supposed to be on the same side. Most times it makes no difference whether they are on the inside or outside (unless you're using vacuum power brakes) but to properly retain the bearing they must be together.

Jeff

[maclonchas]

Jeff,

Thanks for the catch. I will make that change now. It looked a little off to me.

Bill

[CraigS]

Guys often put the bearing on the inside of the footbox. Reason is that if you put it in the engine side the shaft is captured between rack and bearing. So if you need to rotate the shaft on the splines at the rack you have no choice but to remove the rack. Reason you might need to rotate the shaft on the splines is that the steering wheel only fits the shaft two ways. And they are 180 degrees apart. So fine tuning of the steering wheel position needs to happen at the rack. Of course super fine tuning can be done w/ the tie rods, but best practice is to have left and right tie rods as close to the same length as possible.

[rich grsc]

I agree with Craig, mount the bearing and flanges on the inside of the foot box. You will thank us in the future.