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Re: Replacing the pinion gear in the steering rack

To: Jeff Boatright <jboatri@emory.edu>, spridgets@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: Replacing the pinion gear in the steering rack
Date: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 10:34:02 -0400
Oh picky, picky, picky...

> Good point, Chris, but back to the original questions (enquiring 
minds...):
> 
> At 10:42 PM -0700 8/26/02, James Gruber wrote:
> >I'm not sure what spacers are supposed to be used, and
> >particular tricks on replacing the Pinion Gear, etc.
> >...

If you've got the Haynes manual (& if you don't, go get one!), I 
believe it does a pretty good job of explaining overhauling the rack.  
The purpose of the shims is to get the pinion in the best position to 
engage the rack without drag.  It's been a while, but I'm pretty sure 
there's a procedure in the Haynes manual for taking the measurements 
required.

> > My concern is the
> >rack not being reassembled properly and than having
> >the rack lock up at the most inopportune moment. This
> >job does not sound like one that you can mess around
> >with and live to tell the tale later on.

Actually, I don't think it's possible to screw up a rack-and pinion set 
up so that it jams suddenly (unless you're leaving loose hardware 
inside there or otherwise engaging in sabotage).  It's pretty much  
going to be in one of three states:
 Works but sloppy. (too much play)
 Works great! (juuuuust right)
 How the *&%^ do you TURN this thing!?  (too little play)

> >The other question, the replacement rack is absolutely
> >tight with no wobble or play at all in the steering.
> >Is it possible to use this rack without changing the
> >Pinion Gear.

I don't know offhand.  The issue to my mind would involve having full 
engagement of the splines where the pinion connects to the shaft.  
THAT's something that could suddenly go "clunk" and put you in a world 
of hurt!

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