removing the steering linkage r
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: maryland
removing the steering linkage r i am in the middle of puting on my headers and i ant get the steering linkage off. i have the top bolt off and have been hiting it with a hammer do i also need to take out the bolt down buy the rack and pinion? and where do i need to hit on with the hammer ?
What brand headers? I didn't need to remove the steering linkage to get my longtubes in. If you still need to remove it, it's the lower bolt where it connects to the rack and pinion that you want to remove and slide off. Not the upper bolt that connects the shaft. I removed the lower one on my old 96 SS to get the header up and in.
Yes, you will need to remove both bolts. I had to remove the linkage to install my Pacesetters. Once the bolts are out, I used a crow bar and hammer and slowly slid the linkage off the shaft. You can also stick a screwdriver or long rod into the screw hole up by the shaft end, and pry it off that way.
When instaling the linkage back on, first make sure the steering wheel is in the upright position, I used a bungee cord and rapped it behind the seat. I learned this the hard way, had everything on, went to drive the car, and the steering wheel was upside down. Doh!
Now with the linkage, 1st I used a screwdriver to to pry open each ends of the linkage so the will slide on much easier. Don't worry, these will close back up as you tighten down the bolts. 2nd, I used some lube on the shaft end to help better slide the linkage on. Make note of which way the linkage is facing. I had a GM Decal Notice on my linkage and this was facing towards the ground when I removed and reinstalled. The linkage will only go on one way, if it is not working, flip it over.
On the passenger side, I also removed the starter, this helped for more accessibilty to the rear. It is only 2 bolts to remove, a little extra work, but worth it in the long run.
Removing the coil packs as well will help.
Also removing the dipstick tube, take 1 bolt out of the head where it is held to, from there it will pull out. You may need to loosen it at the bottom w a pair of vice grips.
Good luck with your install!
When instaling the linkage back on, first make sure the steering wheel is in the upright position, I used a bungee cord and rapped it behind the seat. I learned this the hard way, had everything on, went to drive the car, and the steering wheel was upside down. Doh!
Now with the linkage, 1st I used a screwdriver to to pry open each ends of the linkage so the will slide on much easier. Don't worry, these will close back up as you tighten down the bolts. 2nd, I used some lube on the shaft end to help better slide the linkage on. Make note of which way the linkage is facing. I had a GM Decal Notice on my linkage and this was facing towards the ground when I removed and reinstalled. The linkage will only go on one way, if it is not working, flip it over.
On the passenger side, I also removed the starter, this helped for more accessibilty to the rear. It is only 2 bolts to remove, a little extra work, but worth it in the long run.
Removing the coil packs as well will help.
Also removing the dipstick tube, take 1 bolt out of the head where it is held to, from there it will pull out. You may need to loosen it at the bottom w a pair of vice grips.
Good luck with your install!
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: maryland
thanks guys. i finallyl got it off and got the headers slid up on both sides. got some bloody nuckles but im happie i did it my self. ill prob finish this up to day and then next week ill be puting the nx kit on with im thinkin will be a 100 times ezer then this was. again thanks for the help
