What is the easiest way to remove this swivel joint?

[schtozo]

Hi, i managed to undo the 2 nuts/ bolts that tighten this to the shafts and the big telescopic nut inside the car behind the pedals but i cant get this thing out of place. Do i have to loosen the rack?





thanks.

[Schwarz325]

From what i remember, you have to drill the rivets out and replace them with bolts.

[Apps]

Heat with a torch...carefully(dont over-heat)...the splines are probably locked together between the shaft and joint if you have both bolts out. Bolts have to be out (at least on the lower) as the bolt actual fits into a key way on the rack shaft.

I had to use the torch method...aluminum expansion vs steel...mine was quite stuck on after 10+ years never being touched. Good luck

[Adrian_Visser]

Remove that bolt completely EDIT what he said^

[schtozo]

Remove that bolt completely EDIT what he said^

Actually the pic was taken before i removed the bolts, but yeah that bolt and the lower one closest to rack are both completely removed. The piece seems to be stuck "kinda glued together" 20 years in there plus very tight area to work in= headache...

[Van Westervelt]

#1 What are you trying to do?

#2 You need to remove the two steering rack bolts and slide the rack down/forward. Otherwise that wont go anywhere.

#3 No torch necessary, where you removed the two bolts already, there are little slits in the aluminum coupling. Stick a large screwdriver in and twist. This will loosen the clamping force from the knuckle that the bolts were holding tight.

[dannyb]

mine was glued (literally glued with jb weld or something) and the shop also made a special tool to remove it. but try the screwdriver method, that usually works

[gearheadE30]

I used a screwdriver to pry it open and then a pry bar on the bottom to push the splines out. The rack needs to be loose.

[schtozo]

Thanks for the replies guys, i want to remove this thing to change it because it has lots of play thus the steering wheel has a gap. I loosened and removed the bolts/ nuts that tighten the joint to the shaft but as i said it was too tight that feeled like glued but it is not glued. I will try the screw driver method tomorrow hopefuly and report back. I couldnt do nothing today as my 3 years son got sick.

[txtorquemade]

Report back.......when???

[Apps]

I tried the screwdriver separating method...went pretty far...and it still wouldn't come off...hence the torch...

[schtozo]

Report back.......when???

sorry for such a late reply. i used the screwdriver method and voila!
had to do it with the help of a friend though. i didnot have to lower the rack, the telescopic steering column retracted a good amount and we were able to pull this thing off.

[dashboardmonkey]

i used an air chisel when i did mine, worked great