Tomorrow, I am going to change out my Rack (looks like it will be the most difficult repair I have performed by my self to date). My repair book does not have a lot of detail on unbolting the U-joint on the steering column going into the rack. Can anyone describe what bolts/pins I need to remove. How difficult is it to install the new rack (gear/spline?) to the u-joint/steering column. Also, i'm not sure where I put the two different o-rings that came with my new rack. Does my 90 max have the spiiral cable mentioned in previous posts?

Thanx,

Nav

 

im pretty sure you just loosen the u jiont and it will slide out

the orings im guessing are for the hose conections

 

your 90 will have some sort of spiral cable in it because of the horn and cruise buttons in the steering wheel.


just be sure the front wheels are straight before you pull the U joint off the rack, and make sure the steering wheel stays straight while you're doing all the work.
before you reconnect the U joint on the rack, be sure the rack is centered (as close as you can anyway) and the steering wheel is straight.

as for the U joint, it's usually a pain to pull off the rack. I used a couple screwdrivers, a hammer, and a cold chisel to spread the joint apart so I could remove the rack. you'll need to completely remove the bolt going through it, then pry the U joint open a little bit. that's about it. the rest of the job is pretty straightforward... but getting the bolts holding the rack to the firewall are a royal PITA.

I highly suggest removing the Y pipe to give yourself some room to work. makes the job about 1/3 the pain of trying to work around the pipe.

 

I just got an estimate from the local shop to do mine, does $490 sound good?

 

sounds pretty steep to me.
parts store steering racks are about $160, IIRC.. $330 in labor is pretty stiff unless it includes an alignment when you're done.

 

damm 490 thats a rip off keep lookin around youll find cheaper

 

costs all depend on where you llive.