Paul4223
Gold forum user
- Messages
- 159
Now that I've replaced the boots with much on-the-job-training, here are one man's observations:
1- For me, removing the radiator was essential in order to get the new boots on.
2- Once the radiator was removed, and the new boots installed, I tried to fill the rack by tilting the car to the passenger's side with the rack still bolted to the car. Not a terrific idea, it turned out. Due to some misinformation, and yes, I confess, to some serious operator error, I managed to damage the front valance. On that I will not elaborate further.
3- The next step was to remove the rack. It maybe took as much as 15 (count' em) 15 minutes. 4 bolts on the rack. One pinch bolt on the column. And, even with the rack off the car and positioned vertically, due to the thickness of the oil, it still required patience to fill it. It was to me, a surprisingly lengthy process. Of course with the boots sealed on the passenger side, the air did not get displaced readily which exacerbated the task. I used Redline 75W90 High Performance Gear Oil. NOT 75W90 NS!
4-Now that I understand the entire process, especially once the radiator is out of the car, at that point taking the rack off the car could not have been simpler. SO: it is beyond me why anyone would not remove the rack to do the job correctly. Hindsight in this situation made me shake my head and also laugh- mostly at myself.
I will consider the cost of the damage a sort of "tuition" for learning how to do this job by the book. Yes, I do have the Rootes Shop Manual. But what did they know anyway?
And, finally, I am posting this in the hope that it will help others who are faced with the same job, and are not experienced. Just as I was. You cannot go wrong by following the Factory Service Manual. Just make sure you have an alignment shop check your front end.
1- For me, removing the radiator was essential in order to get the new boots on.
2- Once the radiator was removed, and the new boots installed, I tried to fill the rack by tilting the car to the passenger's side with the rack still bolted to the car. Not a terrific idea, it turned out. Due to some misinformation, and yes, I confess, to some serious operator error, I managed to damage the front valance. On that I will not elaborate further.
3- The next step was to remove the rack. It maybe took as much as 15 (count' em) 15 minutes. 4 bolts on the rack. One pinch bolt on the column. And, even with the rack off the car and positioned vertically, due to the thickness of the oil, it still required patience to fill it. It was to me, a surprisingly lengthy process. Of course with the boots sealed on the passenger side, the air did not get displaced readily which exacerbated the task. I used Redline 75W90 High Performance Gear Oil. NOT 75W90 NS!
4-Now that I understand the entire process, especially once the radiator is out of the car, at that point taking the rack off the car could not have been simpler. SO: it is beyond me why anyone would not remove the rack to do the job correctly. Hindsight in this situation made me shake my head and also laugh- mostly at myself.
I will consider the cost of the damage a sort of "tuition" for learning how to do this job by the book. Yes, I do have the Rootes Shop Manual. But what did they know anyway?
And, finally, I am posting this in the hope that it will help others who are faced with the same job, and are not experienced. Just as I was. You cannot go wrong by following the Factory Service Manual. Just make sure you have an alignment shop check your front end.
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