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Hi all. Dismantling of whole front suspension almost complete. After a lot of grief, I've managed to free off both front bottom fulcrum shafts. Nothing simple, though. They won't come out as the steering rack is in the way. I didn't anticipate having to remove the rack as part of suspension rebuild. I've already removed the gaiters. If I now remove the rods and maybe turn the steering, could I get the clearance needed to get the shafts out of the sub frame without having to remove the rack? Or is removing the rack part of this process? It's a '91 4.0. Advice much appreciated
Thanks!

In addition to the above, when investigating removal of track rods, I noticed there is a tab lock washer holding the rods to the main part of the rack. If I prise up the tabs to unscrew the rods, will I be able to reuse the washers? They are part no. JLM1458 and seem to be no longer available. Not wishing to do anything stupid! Many thanks. Simon

Hi Simon - why are you reluctant to remove the rack?

Hi David. Thanks for getting back. Stupidly, I hadn't even considered that I might have to remove the rack. Is it quite a straightforward process? I'd assume the steering column and power steering hoses need to come off first. Would it be sensible to replace the rack mounting bushes while I'm at it? I've heard it's one place where polyurethane is recommended. Advice gratefully received.

Simon - taking the rack off shouldn't be too hard to do. Disconnect the steering rack pinch bolt and the two track rod ends, then the two hydraulic connections and then you can remove the bolts from the 3 mounts and pull the rack out.
You're absolutely right that this is a golden opportunity to replace the mounting bushes with polyurethane ones. They make the feel much better without adding any harshness and will last forever

Thanks David. A big help. That's my plan, then. Possibly a silly question, but where is the pinch bolt?

Simon,

Changing rack bushes is a good idea. However, I am 99.9% certain, I didn't remove the rack when my front suspension was done a few years back on my 4 litre. I'm pretty sure the fulcrum shafts came out with rack in situ. Perhaps it just needed the steering turned to give the clearance?

Good luck

Paul

The pinch bolt clamps the universal joint at the bottom of the steering column to the pinion shaft on the rack.

I removed mine recently, for both as Davidr says, I needed to drop the rack on each side and pop off the steering arm to allow access; the offside is slightly harder as had to undo the steering linkage pinch bolt to allow the rack to drop but all straightforward enough - I left the hoses in place and the rack just hangs down.