So, I'm a little slow. What I though was a loud rear end I'm guessing is probably just a loud front end. I know something is missing here, but after looking through the factory service manual I can't figure out if my rack needs to be replaced, or if this is repairable. What do you all think? (1984 GL wagon - EA81) I'm wondering if this part might fit in there somewhere:

 

http://198.208.187.182/internet/PartImage.jsp?mfgname=ACDELCO&prodlinecd=45&acpartnbr=45G24014

So, I'm a little slow. What I though was a loud rear end I'm guessing is probably just a loud front end. I know something is missing here, but after looking through the factory service manual I can't figure out if my rack needs to be replaced, or if this is repairable. What do you all think? (1984 GL wagon - EA81) I'm wondering if this part might fit in there somewhere:

 

Wow - looks like someone removed the rack and lost the rubber bushing. Probably could get one from the JY.... That part might be correct, but I would have to look. I've only ever removed power racks from EA81's, so I'm not sure what it's supposed to look like. Definately should be rubber in there tho. Looks like you are on the right track. Whoever did that was clearly very lazy - even a tractor mechanic would have put part of a used foam matress and some RTV in there at least

 

If you like I could probably get a pic of the rack mount bushing on my 85 Brat - should be the same.

I was hesitant to post because I wasn't sure what I was seeing ....

YES, there SHOULD be rubber there - that is one of those FIX ASAP kinda things - and while you're at it, your steering boots probably need replacement too ...

Yeah, I was kind of pissed off when I saw it too. Its so loose in there, its like how the hell could you bolt that back together, and just walk (or drive) away knowing that thing is flopping around under there. Judging by the bushing I found online, It doesn't seem like something that would just fall off/out of there. I'm pretty sure the one I linked to is the correct bushing. The square bottom on the bushing probably faces up where the metal bracket is mounted over the steering rack end. Now the issue is that I have to take the tie rod end off when I do replace it, that that's going to be a PITA. Lucky for me I'll be doing the axle on that side anyway, so it will all get done at once.

 

If anyone has a pic of pax side of the manual steering rack, I'd love to see it, although I suspect the boot will be tied on to the end of the rubber bushing, so no metal will be exposed.

Going to be easier to unscrew the whole tie rod then just the end. That way you won't risk changing your alignment. There is a tang washer that you bend back, and a large wrench will do the trick from there. Not bad at all.

 

If that bushing isn't split down the center already, you could just cut the rubber and slip it over the rack that way. The rack "clamp" there should hold it just like the sway bar link bushings are designed. A little silicone to hold it together, and make sure the cut is on the "flat" side where it will be compressed by the clamp. Should work fine I would think.

 

When you do the axle, undo the sway bar link, and the lower control arm inner bolt, and the whole assembly will swing freely enough for the axle to pop off the tranny (remove roll pin first of course).

The return of GeneralDisorder? Nice.

Going to be easier to unscrew the whole tie rod then just the end. That way you won't risk changing your alignment. There is a tang washer that you bend back, and a large wrench will do the trick from there. Not bad at all.

 

If that bushing isn't split down the center already, you could just cut the rubber and slip it over the rack that way. The rack "clamp" there should hold it just like the sway bar link bushings are designed. A little silicone to hold it together, and make sure the cut is on the "flat" side where it will be compressed by the clamp. Should work fine I would think.

 

When you do the axle, undo the sway bar link, and the lower control arm inner bolt, and the whole assembly will swing freely enough for the axle to pop off the tranny (remove roll pin first of course).

 

Good advice, because I was worried about FUBARing my alignment. I'm almost certain the bushings come split, so it may not be necessay, and if its not, then I don't think I'll have to take anythign off. Just loosen those mounting brackets, slide them in and retighten.

 

As for the axles, I was to understand that it could be done witout removing the sway bar or the control arm bolt, No???

 

Jordan

they do come split - at least for the EA82 - shouldn't be terribly difficult to install - you will have to remove the bracket that rubber piece is supposed to go into, and loosen the other one a LOT to get it to fit - realize the steering rack should be TIGHTLY fastened into the front end

Drive axles can have one of two levels of difficulty as to their replacement -

the easy one, you can leave your steering knuckle in place, and just remove the spring pin, and pop the axle off the tranny, pound it out of the knuckle

the hard way is if the axle won't compress all the way, and you have to take the steering knuckle loose in whatever fashion pleases you to afford youself more clearence.

in my personal expierence, the latter is the more likely scenario

good luck