Steering Rack removal

[colinevans]

Afternoon all

Continuing with my stripdown, engine now on a trolley (out through the bottom) and front suspension removed. About to tackle the steering rack etc and stopped in my tracks by the allen key on the bottom UJ. I’ll order an imperial set but for now I presume I can undo the pinch bolt that secures the UJ to the lower column, tap it off the splines and take it away with the rack?
Cheers
Colin

[Tom W]

I’d avoid using a hammer on the series 2 steering column and joints. The series 2 column is collapsible, and if you’re too brutal with the hammer, you could shear the nylon pins. The steering columns aren’t available any more, and they shouldn’t be repaired after they’ve been collapsed.

But yes, if you remove the UJ from the column, you can leave it on the steering rack. Take the pinch bolt all the way out as it sits in a groove in the column, and the UJ won’t come off with it still in place.

[colinevans]

Thanks Tom, would it be better waiting and leaving it until I get the allen key for the UJ? I’m thinking there’s no point taking undue risks and I’ve still got plenty of other jobs still to get on with.

[Tom W]

It depends how easily the UJ moves on the splines. When I dismantled mine, it slid off without needing force.

[colinevans]

Ok thanks Tom, advice appreciated.
Regards
Colin

[Joes66]

I just did mine recently
I would remove the uj completely first
Its very tricky to get the rack out through the passenger side wheel arch and there is not much room
You have to twist and turn it as you remove it
Also you cant get the uj off without also unbolting the uj in the drivers footwell and pulling the shaft up to clear the splines
Doing it this way makes it more easy to refit it all afterwards
I changed both my uj's at this point anyway
Joe

[colinevans]

Thanks Joe
My bonnet, engine and front suspension are all out of the way as its a full strip down, so plenty of room now!
Cheers
Colin