Remove exhaust for Steering Rack?


Michael Flare

Michael Flare

My Final Heaven
Joined
Mar 11, 2010
Messages
472
Hey. My steering rack mechanism snapped in the parking lot today. I have to replace it. I was wondering if I have to disconnect the exhaust piping right underneath it. Can someone please tell me if there is a way to remove the steering rack WITHOUT disconnecting this pipe? I really don't want to because my exhaust piping is actually welded on to the headers at that very spot (previous owner tampered with the header piping so it didn't have the correct length to bolt up with the two/three bolts). So many people on the internet said that you need to disconnect it but my friend told me that you don't have to, and you can just pull the rack from the side of the car which I think is not going to fit. Also, do I have to remove the shift linkage? Can someone help me out? Thank you.
 
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It would make it alot easier if you could remove the exhaust and also shift linkage. Had to do this when changing my steering rack. If you don't want to remove just the exhaust as its welded could you take the complete system off with the header? More time consuming but may be a way to do it.
 
Spudski said:
It would make it alot easier if you could remove the exhaust and also shift linkage. Had to do this when changing my steering rack. If you don't want to remove just the exhaust as its welded could you take the complete system off with the header? More time consuming but may be a way to do it.
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Yes, I have thought about removing the entire piping from header to the resonator in the middle of the car. However, how about the shift linkage? Do I have to remove it or is there another way?
 
i just undid the pinion from the steering rack while it was still on the car and managed to squeeze it out without removing exhaust or lowering the subframe?
 
They'll fit out through some times, have done it on CRX and EF, unsure on EK.

And how the **** did you manage to break your steering linkage!?!

...... slightly worrying, I mean.... good job you wasn't going flat out or some thing :shocked: A swift trip through the nearest wall would have happened. Damn.
 
^^^^ECTG is awesome, I love that guy! Re: the OP question - I learned the hard way that trying to remove something without taking the stuff that's in the way out usually doesn't work. You will probably spend an hour wiggling it around and then you will go and take the exhaust and linkage off anyway.
 
undo the knuckle at the bottom of the steering column from inside the car, then undo the two allen key bolts that hold the pinion to the rack, and pull it off. then wiggle the rack out
 
Yikes. Glad your ok buddy.
Remove exhaust and linkage for sure.

Might want to think about going with a faster gearing while you are at it.
 
Everything went well, guys! I was able to remove the entire steering rack with the pinion still attached and the inner tied rods still attached. I had to remove my exhaust piping in front of the car and I ONLY removed the shift stabilizer rod; I was so happy that I was able to remove the rack without removing main shift linkage! The secret was to pull one end of the inner tie rods all the way so that the other tie rod compresses all the way in allowing you to have move clearance to remove it; I just had to find ways to wiggle and maneuver it. Thank you for all your help.
 
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