De-Powering the power steering rack

[infernosg]

Originally Posted by JustJeff

Maybe this was answered and I missed it, but the fittings that were removed. I assume they are just cut off and the holes welded shut? I'm having a hard time getting the hardlines out at those points and would really like to simply cut them off, or break the off. Breaking them off probably would make me feel better, but also probably isn't the best course of action.

Yep, cut, weld, smooth, and paint!

Originally Posted by JustJeff

Also how do I get the outer tie rods to break free? Put a wrench on both the locking nut and tie rod and turn them opposite directions? I tried this after soaking them in PB Blaster with no luck. I was going to heat then up, but I was out of gas for my little torch.

This is what I did but I didn't have any difficulty. I also used a very large wrench so I was able to apply a lot of torque to the tie rod. I also didn't have any issues with damaged threads as mentioned in the original post.

[JustJeff]

Originally Posted by infernosg

Yep, cut, weld, smooth, and paint!



This is what I did but I didn't have any difficulty. I also used a very large wrench so I was able to apply a lot of torque to the tie rod. I also didn't have any issues with damaged threads as mentioned in the original post.

The purpose of the lock nut is simply to hold the tie rod in place so that it doesn't walk its way in towards the car, correct? What I really need to focus on is breaking the tie rod free correct?

If that's the case, I may borrow a big pipe from work and put it over my vice grips. Do it similar to flywheel nut...though, hopefully having to use less torque :P

[Whizbang]

tie rods were easy for me. I had a hard time with the damn giant size locing ring for the pinion though. Mostly because i had to go and buy a silly huge pipe wrench to make it work.