Steering Rack Removal

[PHIL069]

I am trying to remove my steering rack. I have it unbolted and loose. I can't get it out of the car.
Help Me Please
Do I have to remove the rear extractors and try to get it out through the drivers side axle hole? As I can't get it out through the tie rod hole
or
Do I have to take out the alternator and sway bar?
or
Can I get it out by removing the exhaust and come out through the underside of the car?

P.S. If I can't finish the job my FTO will be stuck on the driveway, I need the driveway for the DIY tappets day tomorrow.

[Daniel2019]

PHIL069 might know, he's pretty clever with most stuff

[Shane001]

lol Daniel.

Phil, never tried, but I doubt you will get that out without taking the engine out.

Or support the engine from above and drop the subframe.

[Taz]

Drop your subframe down, should just come straight down if you bring the arms and hubs with it, unbolt it from the suspension. If you have something overhead tie a ratchet strap around both ends too so its easy to lift back into place.

[PHIL069]

Thanks for the help guys.
I got it out by lowering the sub-frame to the last thread on each bolt. Even then it was near to impossable to get out.
New one is in, sub-frame back up, pipes connected, just need to adjust the rack a bit to allow the steering column to connect, put on new tie rods, bolt up the center member, lower mounts (which I found that they are starting to crack, next job), fill and bleed.
BTW, the steering rack job is the worst f'n job I have ever done on a car, every step sucks heaps. I would rather change a head gasket anyday

[Taz]

Thanks for the help guys.
I got it out by lowering the sub-frame to the last thread on each bolt. Even then it was near to impossable to get out.
New one is in, sub-frame back up, pipes connected, just need to adjust the rack a bit to allow the steering column to connect, put on new tie rods, bolt up the center member, lower mounts (which I found that they are starting to crack, next job), fill and bleed.
BTW, the steering rack job is the worst f'n job I have ever done on a car, every step sucks heaps. I would rather change a head gasket anyday

Removed 2 FTO steering racks now, they really are a piece of piss.
The trick is to have the engine completely out first

[Bennoz]

That was the advice I got when I did mine years ago, take the fkn engine out