Replacing the Rack and Pinion and I cannot get the steering column back onto the input shaft for the rack

2004 SUBARU OUTBACK
173,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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TYLER KIRK HOOVER
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At first, I thought the input shaft might not have been long enough on the new part, so I measured it out and it's the same. I also tried to reinstall the old one, but I am having the exact same problem putting the original back in.

First, I tried while the rack was fully bolted up, but it wouldn't go on far enough.

Then I tried it while unbolted and I was able to get it on further but still not far enough to get the set bolt in.

I've been trying to twist and rotate for the last couple of weeks with zero progress. I haven't found anything online yet. Everything I see is basically saying it should just slide right on no problem. I'm hoping there is some kind of trick or step that I am missing.
Apr 12, 2022 at 9:31 PM
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BORIS K
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Hello,

It sounds like the steering column shaft has collapsed on itself. For safety reasons all later model vehicles have a collapsible steering column. While fitting the new steering rack you might have pushed onto the bottom of the steering shaft and caused it to collapse. This in turn will then effectively shorten the shaft.

See a good video, watch about 3/4 in.
https://youtu.be/-LA3rZXgnGc

Another good video.
https://youtu.be/GioAg0uSOiU

If it has collapsed, then it should be replaced for safety reasons.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Boris
Apr 13, 2022 at 1:32 AM
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TYLER KIRK HOOVER
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If this were the case wouldn't there be some play in the steering column? I've pulled on it and it doesn't budge.
Apr 13, 2022 at 6:04 AM
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BORIS K
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Hello,

If the column has collapsed, then it is usually quite tight as the two components slide into each other.

Cheers, Boris
Apr 13, 2022 at 7:04 AM
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TYLER KIRK HOOVER
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I'm having a hard time seeing how this could be the issue. I've tried using a pry bar to see if there is any play and used it to try and get the column to extend but it doesn't budge. Plus, in those videos the guy hits it pretty hard with a hammer to get it to break. I'm very sure I never used that amount of force on the column. I had to tap up on the u-joint to remove it from the input shaft on the original rack, but it was well greased I didn't use nearly as much for as in the video. Is there anything else that could be the problem?
Apr 13, 2022 at 3:36 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Just to jump in on this one. Can you get some pictures of what you are dealing with?

There is no trick with this as they are normally indexed, and they just slide on.

So, seeing what you are dealing with will surely help us get on the same page.

I attached the info from the manual on how to replace this and as you will see, it just says to install universal joint which is on the steering column that slides onto the shaft of the rack.
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Apr 13, 2022 at 4:32 PM
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TYLER KIRK HOOVER
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I had a friend come over today and we got it to work. We figured out the end the bolted on the steering column had slid up just enough when I removed the original rack. All lined up and working now. Thank you for your time.
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Apr 17, 2022 at 9:19 AM
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KASEKENNY
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Awesome. Yep. That was exactly it. Thank you for the video as well.

I am sure others will have the same issue and your video will show the issue they are having and then your solution will solve it for them.

Thanks for the follow up.
Apr 17, 2022 at 10:19 AM
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REMRIE
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I'm having the same issue, but your solutions don't make sense. 2002 7th gen Toyota Celica GT.

My steering wheel is wedged into place to not move during this repair as I replace the Rack and pinion. Because I had trouble getting out the rack and pinion by itself, I dropped the entire assembly and mounting plate. When I went to lower it, it yanked downwards on the steering column from the weight of the assembly, but nothing seemed (or seems) amiss

I can't see how it would have collapsed from that unless there is a spring to force it to retract, but I am doing research before I use muscle.
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Jan 21, 2023 at 1:21 PM
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REMRIE
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Never mind. I figured it out, I'm an idiot. There is an adapter that bridges the gap that I never removed from the old rack and pinion. So, I have to transplant that from the old system to the new system.
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Jan 21, 2023 at 2:00 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Thank you for the information. I feel confident it will help others in the future and the videos are excellent.

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
Jan 21, 2023 at 11:28 PM