I am trying to replace the steering gear in a 2000 S70. This has got to be one of the most difficult tasks that can be done. Anyway...

- I have the all the bolts out.
- Tie rod ends out
- bolt out of the steering rod universial joint on the rack side.
- the subframe lowered on the driver side about 2". If I go much more I'm afraid to break transmission lines which already look shaky.

- The shaft that goes into the steering rod universal joint will NOT come out. I've tried using a screw driver as a pry and it will not budge. The steering rack is suspended about 1/2" so I know its not sitting on the subframe. Any ideas? I am afraid to mess too much with it because of info I have read about damaging the SRS.

Also, I cannot get the return line loose from the steering gear. I'm almost of the opinion to cut it off and replace it but the routing looks painful. Any ideas? Its not rusted or anything, I jsut can't seem to get a wrench on it. I made a tool from a 3/4 box end (didn't have 18 mm box end) to at least get something to get on the nut but I still can';t break it loose.

I think once I solve those 2 things, the unit will slide out, HOPEFULLY

 

Do you have an air hammer? That should get the steering shaft u-joint off. I word recommend replacing it anyway while the rack is out.

 

I've beaten the thing for 3 days. 1/4 of a can of P B blaster and no movement.

I've disconnected the opposite end thikning I could take the entire piece out with the rack. to do that I nhave to move it about 3". I'm not sure how to make that happen given the tight space. It looks like the sub frame could be lowered. I have the engine supported on the transmission side. The opposite side has the engine mount attached ot it. I can probalby lower it some without removing the mount.

has anyone lowered the subframe? Any advice on how to make that happen. My htinking is if I can lower it far enough the gear can be removed with the shaft attached. For sure I will need to unit to move a good 3"