Steering Rack Dissassembly

[whalenlg]

Hi Brain Trust - my powered rack started leaking out the ends, so I ordered up the seal kits & other bits and pulled it with only a few grunts.
Now on to taking it apart, I am stuck at the stage of removing the collar bolt & shaft cover & can't get it to budge with the hammer & punch method. Multiple applications of PB blaster & some heat from a heat gun.

I'm avoiding putting a pipe wrench on it since (for now).

Any other alternative methods to get this off?

[Tom]

You might try a different punch and bigger hammer, trying to drive the nut with the punch lined up to hit that little recess edge as straight as possible. Although I can envision a spanner wrench arrangement for that nut, I've never seen one. I think you just need to keep at it with the punch and hammer (don't be shy) unless you're into making tools....

[whalenlg]

Thanks for the encouragement - 1 more night of pb blaster soaking + heat gun + bigger punch = success!