Which end of a steering UJ goes on first

[xavier]

I have just put in a new power steering rack. With the Universal joint between the steering wheel and the rack I thought the steering wheel end goes on first, then the rack end. With the steering wheel end in all the way I cannot get the rack end onto the rack. Any suggestions? Have I missed something? I hate doing steering racks. This is my second and I hope my last.

[Grrrmachine]

the joint will need a bit of persuasion. I placed a crowbar through the engine bay onto the top of the steering knuckle, then tapped the knuckle onto the rack with a hammer (small bit of wood to protect the knuckle). It still took a good few blows to get it to mate up properly.

[DanThe]

Yes, you need to remove the rack mounting bolt on the linkage end, and slacken the bolt on the other end of the rack, with the rack loose there is no need to force anything.
If the UJ is too tight on the splines then remove it and open up the ends with a large flat blade screwdriver, grease the splines before fitting too

[xavier]

Am I meant to have the steering rack all bolted in before I fit the uj?

[jmc330i]

Fit the uj to the steering column then loosen the passenger side rack bolt (don't remove it) and remove the drivers side bolt. The rack can then pivot away from the steering linkage - you can then bring the uj and rack together and slide the uj on to the splines (you may need to open the uj up a little with a large flat screwdriver if its too tight). You should not need to force it together.

[xavier]

Thanks guys that all went well. I did as you said and it went in.