Been trying to get the bolts out of the K frame that secure the rack. They seem to be rusted in the collars they are in. Am I looking at this wrong? Don't the bolts come out and steering rack just basically be able to free fall in my hands? Anyone run in to this before I can sure use some advise. 87 XR7 Thanx all:hick:
try spinning them in the back with a wench. Watch the oil pan. Other then that a BFH works. (BFH= Big ****ing Hammer)
If they are rusted into the sleeves you will have to remove the nuts, disconnect the lines and steering shaft, and move the rack ahead until it clears the bolts. It'll be easier if you pull the accessible half of the rack bushings out first. It is a royal pain in the butthole, but it'll come. Don't try whacking it with a hammer, as there is a danger of the hammer glancing off the bolt and hitting the rack, which will destroy it. Oh, and disconnect the tie rod ends as well - it will make it eleven million times easier.
Once the rack is out you can hit the bolts with a hammer until your heart's content, but keep in mind you'll end up destroying the bolts.
Tried all of above. Rack is out of car as well as engine and trans. Looked like beating on bolt is starting to bend K frame.
The rack is off and the bolts are still in it?!? Your bending the K member?!? Holy dude. Invest in some torches or something. I don't know about everyone else, but the bolts holding my rack on came out easily. And the rack wouldn't come off without the bolts being out first.
If you do get them out, put some anti-seize in thar. That should help in the way not so close future.
Brian
Bolts still in K frame not rack. Broke rack but ok I planned on replacing. Was wanting to verify before torching that I was not missing something.
Mine were stuck too, I just soaked them with PB Blaster and then I hit it with a torch and impact wrench until they started to spin then I tapped them out. (Impact gun and tapped or hammered at the same time)
Any one know if the collars for the rack to the "K" frame are replaceable? And how?
no, they're not. try hammering a socket extension to drive the bolt out.
Will try but I think I will be looking at a junk yard K frame...135.00.. rusted bolts. That is with them taking it off so all I have to do is clean it, paint it, and install it. The car sat in grass for some time so I think this is what caused it. The frame rail is rotted out also so it just does not suprise me. Have the replacement rails on order to be installed. Trying to really refurb this 87 XR7. I love it and cant wait to get it further along. Working on beating the snow right now
Rack sleeves?
(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid93/p91e05945504c586375751783da52b258/fa4a8aaf.jpg)
That is what I am looking for. Thanx bunches..