Replacing the steering joint between steering shaft and rack

[va240dude]

Hey guys, has anyone had experience how to replace this part? I got a new one from NAPA. It's a really tight fit from the shaft to the joint, but the other side from the join to the rack slides on fine. I'm afraid to damage the new one if I can't install it correctly. Any help would be appreciated. Here are a few pics for reference.




http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss191/okasafa/CF2F86E7-CE22-4A8F-BA60-2E9AF12D9C99_zpspfqhniic.jpg (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/okasafa/media/CF2F86E7-CE22-4A8F-BA60-2E9AF12D9C99_zpspfqhniic.jpg.html)

http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss191/okasafa/A580A9B1-7EA8-4473-B976-0E9103D77615_zpsapfvqdww.jpg (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/okasafa/media/A580A9B1-7EA8-4473-B976-0E9103D77615_zpsapfvqdww.jpg.html)

[Chaluska]

I had a similar issue, just take a big pry bar, or a big flat head, and "wedge" open that piece just enough to let it slide on the steering shaft...


Also, when installing that knuckle you have to remove the bolt, otherwise the shaft wont go in... that bolt is what prevents the shaft from backing out once installed.. just FYI

[beems240sx]

^this. It's honestly just annoying to install. Make sure you use antiseize! You'll thank yourself later. When I took mine off I used a pry bar and sledge hammer to free it up

[Hoffman5982]

Just out of curiosity, what's the part number and cost on that coupler?

[az_240]

Take that bolt out before doing anything. That's probably why it won't slide on. As you can see, there is an indentation for the bolt to hold the shaft in place.

[Agamemnon]

just out of curiosity, what's the part number and cost on that coupler?
48080-62j11