Steering rack replacement

Tiny
FINK4683
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 FORD FOCUS
  • 150,000 MILES
I have a 2011 focus and going to replace steering rack due to leaking. I was wondering how you keep the orientation on the steering rack and the orientation on the intermediate shaft? Because both have to stay center orientated to install the 10mm bolt inside the car under the dash. I guess how do you know the correct alignment when putting intermediate shaft on rack to align with 10mm bolt under the dash?
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 AT 9:04 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,305 POSTS
Normally I just make sure the steering rack is centered and lock the steering wheel in place with a strap or two. Then remove the coupler bolts and then remove all the bolts and clamps and remove the rack. Then reverse the process to install the replacement. That keeps the steering wheel centered so that you don't damage the clock spring in the column and the intermediate shaft lines up easily for installation.
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Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 AT 7:56 AM
Tiny
FINK4683
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Do you install the intermediate shaft on to the rack or under the dash with the 10mm bolt first? I see the rack has splines for the intermediate shaft to slide onto and can't be rotated to align the steering for the 10mm bolt inside once on the rack.
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Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,305 POSTS
Depends on the vehicle but on these designs I put the intermediate shaft in first, then align it with the stub on the rack as it's installed.
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Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 AT 10:25 PM

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