Hello Guest

Steering Removal Problems and a Timing Concern

  • 5 Replies
  • 1983 Views

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Steering Removal Problems and a Timing Concern
« on: August 15, 2012, 05:59:33 PM »
Hi guys,   So I've been doing a huge maintenance project with my tracker.  I got a deal on end links adjuster sleeves and ends, but I can't separate my old ones from the center link.   I pulled off the cotter pin and castle nut obviously, now I've banged, pried, bout and tie rod end fork and still no luck... Tried dropping the whole assembly today .. undid the idler arm .. (easy)   then undid the 30mm nut on the bottom of the power steering assembly and can't get the center link to free from that either.  What am I doing wrong? Please help.


On a second question and I don't want to take away from my original. But concerning the timing belt.  If I have it installed and tensioned, but without the cover and without the accessory pull on.  Then crank.. would it be normal for it to walk outward from the sprockets? Just want to be sure before I fully put it all back together.   

Thanks All!!!

*

Offline Skyhiranger

  • 3734
  • 122
  • I don't buy, what I can build
Re: Steering Removal Problems and a Timing Concern
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2012, 10:29:24 AM »
For getting the sleeves off the end links, a lot of times you have to heat them with a torch.  They have been on there for years and are usually rusted together.  Note that there is a nut that tightens against the sleeves and the nut has to be loosened, before the sleeves can be turned.  Also note that one of the nuts and sleeves have left handed threads (you turn it the opposite way you think you should, to loosen it).  It sounds like you might be replacing everything except for the center link.....if this is the case, then you don't have to worry about removing the sleeves.
For removing the TREs from the knuckle arms, the easiest way to do it is to use a big bar/pipe/etc and pry down on the TRE (right up next to the knuckle arm), while someone smacks the end of the knuckle arm hard with a big hammer.  Oh, and leave the castle nut threaded on the TRE about a nuts worth of threads....that way when it pops loose, whoever is prying on the end link won't get hurt.  Same method can be used for removing the end links from the center link.
Sounds like you are talking about removing the pitman arm from the steering box.  If so, you will need a pitman arm puller.  You can borrow them from places like autozone.  Get the one that has the 2 bolts that hold the arms together.  The best way to do it is take the nut and washer off the steering box, then thread the nut back on, about a nuts worth of threads.  Then put the puller on, tighten the 2 bolts/nuts snugly that hold the arms together (most have wing nuts on them, so you just tighten them with your fingers).   Then tighten the puller as tight as you can against the steering box shaft.  If the arm doesn't pop loose, after you have put a lot of tension on the puller, you may have to hit the side of the pitman arm (hit the arm where it wraps around the steering shaft) with a big hammer (it is hard to get in there to get a good swing, since the puller is kinda in the way, but it can be done).  Unless you are replacing the center link, I wouldn't remove the pitman arm from the box.  Oh, and if you do decide to remove the pitman arm, make a note of how it is positioned on the shaft, before you remove it (maybe take a marker and mark an alignment line, or scratch/scribe an alignment line on the arm and end of the shaft)....because there are no indexing splines on it, so it can go on in several different positions, but only one is correct.
« Last Edit: August 17, 2012, 10:35:50 AM by Skyhiranger »
Tracker and Sidekick parts for sale.....PM me with your wants/needs.

Re: Steering Removal Problems and a Timing Concern
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2012, 03:06:36 AM »
SKY  -- Thanks a ton for all your information.   The end links came out of the knuckle no problem. My issue had been getting them out of the center link.  I tried pulling the pitman arm with no luck so ran the nut back on and retried just removing the links from the center link.   Took a trip to Home Depot for a larger hammer, but finally today with a 4lb. hammer a tie rod pickle fork, full access through the wheel well without the stabilizer bar, and about 4 to 5 sledgehammer style whacks they finally popped loose.    I couldn't believe how well these guys were on there... Not even sure why they need a castle nut LOL.  Anyway now for the new easily adjustable goodies to go on.  Hopefully now I can get my alignment close enough after my lift to not worry about a shop.

*

Offline bentparts

  • *
  • 4536
  • 60
  • Gender: Male
  • I'd rather be Blown AND Injected.
    • mikekallie's flickr photos
Re: Steering Removal Problems and a Timing Concern
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2012, 07:00:04 AM »
If your going to all that trouble to replace everything in the steering you should go ahead and spring for the center link too. I have found most of the slop and play in the steering in these Trackicks comes from the center link being ignored during normal maintainence. It's easy to replace the outer tie rod ends, and even the inner's, but almost everyone ignores the center link. For the best overall steering quality replace EVERYTHING and get an alignment. my 2 cents.
The usual stuff, and 2nd generation Air to liquid intercooled TURBOCHARGER

*

Offline talonxracer

  • 1284
  • 34
Re: Steering Removal Problems and a Timing Concern
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2012, 04:54:16 AM »
I fully agree with bentparts, the center link is usually ignored.

I have several pickle forks and do not use them at all, I use this tool to seperate tapered joints, and it has never failed to work properly and with minimal effort.


Check out your idler arm and mount, large tires will weaken them quickly, a SKY idler arm is a easy upgrade



Also, most people simply assemble taper joints and some even clean them to remove any grease/oil/protectant, I ALWAYS douche down both potions of the taper joint with a corrosion preventative/water displacement like corrosionX or WD40. This will prevent ANY FUTURE corrosion from developing and allow easy as pie disassembly at any future point.
Tim "the toolman" Taylor is my HERO !!!

The only GOOD Commie is the commie taking a dirt nap....

*

Offline Drone637

  • *
  • 8121
  • 116
  • Gender: Male
  • Evil Cow
Re: Steering Removal Problems and a Timing Concern
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2012, 10:08:21 AM »
Check out your idler arm and mount, large tires will weaken them quickly, a SKY idler arm is a easy upgrade

We have started adding a brace to the bottom of the idler arm to stop it from flexing, which is what usually leads to the bending:


96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
Crawlers NorthWest
x-Trouble Racing