Thanks so much for your help, you mean crow wrench?

Is there any direction for 'Stopper washer(Big one)' or it can go both ways?

 

I think the tool is a special purpose tool rather than a large crowfoot, but could be mistaken.

If washer is flat it should not matter which way it's installed.

 

It looks like that "stopper washer" has serrations on one side. Those serrations should go in against the rack like they are shown in your post#36 picture.

 

As always, thanks so much guys.

I am going to try and fix it today, will post back any issues/outcome

 

Yea, the lock washer in your pic's doesn't look right?

 

Thanks so much PM.

Actually washer was exactly same as you have posted, but since I bent it, no longer look a new one.

Now I am in a BIG dilemma(I think), seems like threads inside Rack/Pinion and inner tie rod are slipping/worn out. I am NOT able to completely tighten inner tie rod into rack and Pinion. It goes in, but does not GO all the way down into it. I can see that threads are NOT even inside Rack/Pinion.

I mean, if inner tie rod threads are bad, I can just get another one, but can't do that with Rack/Pinion.

Please see attached pictures.

How can I overcome and fix this problem? Please help

 

If the threads are bad on the rack.....

You could try to "chase" the threads to fix them. There may be some thread repair kits (heli-coil) that you could try......last, the rack will have to be replaced.

 

Thanks so much PM, really appreciate it.

What do you mean by chasing a thread and any suggestion/advice for heli-coil?

Is it normal that these threads in the Rack go bad?

 

Chasing threads is using a tap to "correct" damaged threads and enable re-engagement of tie-rod. This will work if damage is light.

Someone may have crossthreaded or inserted SAE tie-rod into metric rack/pinion.

Based on male end appearance, I would not be optimistic.

The helicoil fix should be possible, but will be difficult in tight space. I would suggest searching for a shop w/ some experience in installing helicoils to perform this work.

good luck

 

I am always impressed with the knowledge you guys have, that's so refreshing.

I have a fear SAE and metric issue has happened, though I am not 100% sure on it.

I am going to start with a tap to 'correct' threads and then report back results.

BTW, is there any bond or weld I can use which can seal inner tie rod with rack forever?

If you guys have any other suggestion/ideas, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks so much for your help.