how to remove steering shaft/u joint section?????

[tfritz]

The steel rods that are pressed in along with the plastic bushing pieces have come out somehow. This is where the two pieces overlap and hook the shafts together. I took the top bolt completely out of the upper clamp, the bottom one is loosened but will not come out because there is a fluid line in the way. Iv tried prying the clamps apart and off the shaft but it just wont come. Need help!

Thanks!

[Brandon12V]

FYI it's the steering coupling, nit a u-joint. On the lower part, you are going to have a hell of a time getting it off the steering rack while it's in the car and could potentially damage the rack itself. I would suggest removing the rack first to get the bottom half of the coupling off. As for the upper half, heat the splines with a small blow torch(you can get one at any home improvement store) but TAKE CAUTION doing this. It will help expand the metal and break it loose. Once the metal is hot, use a long pry bar or 3/8" extension & hammer from the top(or bottom). Repeat if necessary. When finished rebuild your steering coupling out your car and save the headaches. There is a DIY on how to rebuild the steering coupling in the "How to: E36 Steering Rack Swap" thread.

[tfritz]

Thanks! I was hoping I would not need to remove the rack but oh well.

[jlevie]

You will almost certainly have to remove the rack to get the coupler out and absolutely will need the rack out to install a new coupler. Additionally, the lock bolts have to be removed to separate the couler from the splines at either end.