Help. Any tips on removing steering coupling?

[jimf]

So far I've undone steering rack and managed separate the lower UJ from the splines but the upper one is stuck fast, any tips?

[SGP]

Lots of penetrating oil.

[davethegoat]

Try removing the nut/bolt completely and gently tapping a small screwdriver/chisel into the split. Just tap in in a little. This should open up the joint enough to get it moving.

[jimf]

I have done the screwdriver thing and covered it in WD40 so will give it another batter tonight.

[Brianmoooore]

Ideally you need the cut off end of a screwdriver for this, tapped into place. The clamp should just fall off.

[jimf]

What's a cut off end of a screwdriver?

And after 25 years of being held in there, the only thing that has fallen off so far was the rubber coupling!

I did have a thick screwdriver jammed in there and it just wasn't budging. Have soaked it in wd40 and have got some proper penetrating fluid from work if that fails.

[Duke137]

Best way is to remove all the bolts and undo and remove the steering rack bolt from the sub frame, loosen the other one pivot the rack away and lots of wiggling and plus gas should see it free.

Bit of a job though because access is restricted with the exhaust manifold

They damage easily so try not too batter it too much!

[jimf]

Yes, have moved the steering rack. The coupling has fallen apart so all I'm left with is the upper UJ stuck on the spines.

Plus gas??

[Duke137]

Yes, have moved the steering rack. The coupling has fallen apart so all I'm left with is the upper UJ stuck on the spines.

Plus gas??

Plus gas penetrates better than WD40.

Has your coupling broken then?

[E30BeemerLad]

You have removed the actual pinch bolt from the upper UJ haven't you?

[jimf]

Yes removed the pinch bolt.

The rubber coupling was in an awful state, so much so when I moved the steering rack the whole coupling split in two, will put a photo up when I have it all removed. Scary stuff.