Replaced P/S rack on my 01 ST, unable to get steering column connected.

[EvinH]

Hey guys, hopefully one of you can offer some assistance. I broke a tie rod and bent the inner tie rod on my ST and decided to replace the whole rack rather than just replacing the inner/outer. I've gotten the new rack in but now I can't get the pinch bolt connector onto the new steering gear input. Any suggestions? I've tried to open up the gap on the connector but not sure if I'm not opening it up enough or if I got the wrong rack. Advanced auto had two different ones. One for pre April 2001 and one after. I'm assuming this referring to the build date. My ST build date was 9/2000. Did I get the wrong part? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Turdle]

Although the "hole" looks like a triangle, it is "keyed" so it only goes on one way

Does your steering shaft end look like this?

It might help to center the wheel, and the rack.

 

[EvinH]

Thanks! Had to back away and go do something else. And jst like you said, once I lined up the rack it just fell on. Is the pinch bolt torque spec 24-30 lbs-ft? My Hanes manual only lists the steering wheel bolt with that torque spec. Unless I missed it safe to assume that's it?

 

[Turdle]

Thanks! Had to back away and go do something else. And jst like you said, once I lined up the rack it just fell on. Is the pinch bolt torque spec 24-30 lbs-ft? My Hanes manual only lists the steering wheel bolt with that torque spec. Unless I missed it safe to assume that's it?

I am not sure but that seems quite a bit for that little bolt. Tight should be fine. 13 ft lbs maybe?

 

[swshawaii]

http://www.scribd.com/doc/224585765/Steering-Gear-Removal-and-Installation