steering rack removal

[cghag1]

I am new to this forum (or any forum for that matter). I am attempting to replace the steering rack on my daughter's '85 Cabrio. I have everything disconnected and the rack unbolted from the car, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the thing out of the car. The openings for the tie rods look to be way too small. Anyone with any suggestions? Must I drop the exhaust out of the way so I can drop it out the bottom? Thanks in advance!

[boschmann]

Power steering? You may have to lower the suspension subframe to get it out the hole.

[cghag1]

Thanks for reponding. The car does have power steering. My brother's VW mechanic informs me that it comes out the driver's side tie rod opening. Not easily, I understand, but with much manipulation. I'm open to any other suggestions or ideas. I'll dig back into this task this weekend.

[boschmann]

I drop the suspension subframe down a couple of inches to make it fit.

[cghag1]

I ended up removing the tie-rods from the rack. Then it became easy (all things being relative) to remove the rack and put in the new unit. hooking up the lines and steering column were easier with the tie-rods removed. More access to the hard to reach areas!

Thanks again for your input. I'll get back on the next time I have a problem with any of my VW's ('85 Cabio and '87 Quantum Wagon) or my Audi ('91 100).