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Instructions for Removal of Ford Fiesta Steering Rack and Installation of Steering Rack Bushings
Someone asked me to do a write up on how to install my steering rack bushings that I make, so here it is. It can also be used for removing the steering rack for replacement.
Start by jacking up the front end of car and placing it on jack stands. Follow the steps below to do the rest.
Disconnect Steering Column:
1. Align steering wheel to straight position
2. Loosen the bolt connecting the steering universal joint to the steering rack.
Disconnecting Sway bar and Tie Rods:
1. Disconnect the sway bar end links on both sides of the car.
2. Disconnect the tie rods from the knuckles on both sides of car.
Disconnecting Front Subframe/K-Member:
1. Disconnect the exhaust hangar
2. Unbolt both support rods
3. Unbolt the rear torque strut
4. Unbolt the cross bolts to detach the control arms from the bottom of the knuckles, and knock them out with a rubber mallet.
5. Unbolt the upper torx bolts that bolt to the chassis
6. Trace the 15 and 18mm bolts with a marker or grease pen. Place a jack under the center of the k-member, with a slight amount of pressure. Unbolt the 15mm and 18mm bolts. Slowly lower the k-member to the ground.
Disconnecting the Steering Rack:
1. Using a marker or grease pen, trace the outside edges of the steering rack lugs onto the k-member.
2. Unbolt the 3 bolts holding the steering rack on.
Removing the Steering Rack Bushings:
1. (Recommended) - sing a two jaw puller, remove the stock rubber bushings.
2. (Fast) - Using a propane torch or oxy-acetylene torch, heat the bushing pins from the inside, until the pin is able to be pushed out. WARNING, THIS CREATES A LOT OF SMOKE.
Installing the Steering Rack Bushings:
1. Aluminum - Place a small amount of grease around the bushings, and slide the bushings into the rack. Place a small amount of BLUE loctite onto the bolts, and torque to stock spec, remembering to line up with previous markings.
2. Delrin - Push the bushings into the rack. Place a small amount of grease on the pin, and slide it into the bushings (may require some force). Torque bolts to stock spec, remembering to line up with previous markings.
3. Stock Rubber - Apply lithium grease to one side of the bushing, and on the inside of the lug. Press bushing in using vise or press. Torque bolts to stock spec, remembering to line up with previous markings.
Someone asked me to do a write up on how to install my steering rack bushings that I make, so here it is. It can also be used for removing the steering rack for replacement.
Start by jacking up the front end of car and placing it on jack stands. Follow the steps below to do the rest.
Disconnect Steering Column:
1. Align steering wheel to straight position
2. Loosen the bolt connecting the steering universal joint to the steering rack.
Disconnecting Sway bar and Tie Rods:
1. Disconnect the sway bar end links on both sides of the car.
2. Disconnect the tie rods from the knuckles on both sides of car.
Disconnecting Front Subframe/K-Member:
1. Disconnect the exhaust hangar
2. Unbolt both support rods
3. Unbolt the rear torque strut
4. Unbolt the cross bolts to detach the control arms from the bottom of the knuckles, and knock them out with a rubber mallet.
5. Unbolt the upper torx bolts that bolt to the chassis
6. Trace the 15 and 18mm bolts with a marker or grease pen. Place a jack under the center of the k-member, with a slight amount of pressure. Unbolt the 15mm and 18mm bolts. Slowly lower the k-member to the ground.
Disconnecting the Steering Rack:
1. Using a marker or grease pen, trace the outside edges of the steering rack lugs onto the k-member.
2. Unbolt the 3 bolts holding the steering rack on.
Removing the Steering Rack Bushings:
1. (Recommended) - sing a two jaw puller, remove the stock rubber bushings.
2. (Fast) - Using a propane torch or oxy-acetylene torch, heat the bushing pins from the inside, until the pin is able to be pushed out. WARNING, THIS CREATES A LOT OF SMOKE.
Installing the Steering Rack Bushings:
1. Aluminum - Place a small amount of grease around the bushings, and slide the bushings into the rack. Place a small amount of BLUE loctite onto the bolts, and torque to stock spec, remembering to line up with previous markings.
2. Delrin - Push the bushings into the rack. Place a small amount of grease on the pin, and slide it into the bushings (may require some force). Torque bolts to stock spec, remembering to line up with previous markings.
3. Stock Rubber - Apply lithium grease to one side of the bushing, and on the inside of the lug. Press bushing in using vise or press. Torque bolts to stock spec, remembering to line up with previous markings.
