Seperating steering shaft from rack?

[Rob Cowell]

Has anyone done this? The bottom UJ in my shaft is knackered. It clamps to the steering rack with a single bolt securing. I tried to remove this a couple of years when replacing the rack bushes, but couldn't get it off and was worried about damaging the gaitor on the steering gear if I tried to prise it off. The workshop manual just says remove or withdraw. Any thoughts?

 

[StarCruiser]

If it's like I'm thinking then the bolt has to be removed, then open up the jaws of the clamp with a flat bladed screwdriver and it should part company.

Generic info here, not done this particular one but been caught out before leaving the bolt in loose as the shaft it came off was 'waisted' to accept the bolt.

 

[Rob Cowell]

Ah ha! I'm pretty sure the splined shaft is wasted. It didn't occur to me that was to allow the bolt through and I can't remember if I took it out before. Might have fun with that this week in all the good maintenance weather.