I just pulled the rack out of my '78 brat. I was experiencing a major clunk when turning the steering wheel. I hope this is the fix. Anyone have anything I should be looking at to attend to when I reassemble? I am going to rough place the inner and outers (tierods) where the old ones were. I also need to keep attention to keeping the wheels straight, and the steering wheel centered. I think I will try putting it back together, then if I have any alignment problems take it to the pros for them to fine tune.

 

'78 brat:3" lift, 14's, weber, k/n.

 

'84 brat:auto

 

took the day off from work, may hit 60 today!

you can disconnect the tie rods without poppuing the outer end.

break loose the big nut right before the end. then turn the WHOLE INNER ROD, there will be a flat spot to grab onto with a wrench.

 

with the outer ends off, pull back the boot for the inner end, and there will be a staket washer, just bend the tabs down, and unscrew them

 

so when you put it back together, your alignment at the outer end will remain

thanks for the idea Miles, good one, but I am pulling the steering rack also. Got it back together today. Soo... I've got new inners,outers, control arm ball joints, and new used rack.

My problem seemed to lean that ways, but after all said an done, it is still not right. I took it out of the driveway tonight, and I felt that tell tell slip feeling (stripped hub). Back to the drawing board.

I have heard some say to lock the emergency brake, let out the clutch, and see if the axle turns.

I don't feel too bad, you can't go wrong, having a new front end.

Peace in Paradise. dp