Steering Rack Shaft Stuck to U-Joint

[kingofthecastle]

In the process of doing my oil pan gasket. Got to the part where you disconnect the shaft from the steering rack from the U-Joint. I began prying with a pry bar with little luck, then using an open ended wrench connected with another wrench I was able to back it off significantly but not all the way off. This is where it got "stuck" per say. I've tried a combination of turning the steering column and prying with the wrench, hammering the wrench, spraying pb. Yes the pinch bolt is all the way off and I have tried opening the clasp with a flat head.

What I'm wondering is if it is safe to try to begin lowering the subframe and see If it might slip off because I'm running out of ideas and getting really PO'd.

Thanks all!

[blckstrm]

In the process of doing my oil pan gasket. Got to the part where you disconnect the shaft from the steering rack from the U-Joint. I began prying with a pry bar with little luck, then using an open ended wrench connected with another wrench I was able to back it off significantly but not all the way off. This is where it got "stuck" per say. I've tried a combination of turning the steering column and prying with the wrench, hammering the wrench, spraying pb. Yes the pinch bolt is all the way off and I have tried opening the clasp with a flat head.

What I'm wondering is if it is safe to try to begin lowering the subframe and see If it might slip off because I'm running out of ideas and getting really PO'd.

Thanks all!

I had to hammer a wood chisel to open it up enough to then use a cold chisel before mine would finally come off. I tried with a screwdriver and that just wasn't enough. Keep at it!

[kingofthecastle]

I had to hammer a wood chisel to open it up enough to then use a cold chisel before mine would finally come off. I tried with a screwdriver and that just wasn't enough. Keep at it!

I'll give it a go and report back.

[Spyke]

Very typical. Penetrating oil, a little torch if you're brave, and a chisel to spread the joint are all common methods.

You can use a small amount of anti-seize to prevent the same issue down the road.

[kingofthecastle]

No luck, I've tried everything mentioned. It's not moving much anymore. It looks like its hung up on the end of the shaft because it looks like its sitting crooked on the shaft.

[kingofthecastle]

Right after the part on the shaft where there are no threads and a little further up is where its stuck on.

[kingofthecastle]

Got that b**** off. Dropped the subframe and it popped right off.

[Franky goes]

It is a pain to remove. Congrats.
My experience is that after 25 years the u-joint just under the brake booster has play in it. While it's disconnected at the bottom twist it to see of it knocks when you change orientation. If it does you may want to replace that part. It's not cheap but you have already done half the work...
I have experienced joints that were knocking or completely stuck in the case of a car used in the winter.
Not many people know this but pay attention to the orientation of both U-joints 'U's when you put it back together. The 'U's should be clocked the same.