Xantia inner ball joints

[allanmc]

Hi, I have the replace two inner ball joints and track rod ends on my series 2 Xantia HDI had a look today and it looks like some job would it be easier to remove the steering rack and if so how do I go about it thanks
allan

[rory_perrett]

In my experience removing the steering rack is a major pain. The inner ball joints are not that bad. I found it a lot easier with the lower wishbones removed (but I was replacing them at the same time) It is possible to get a set mole grips on them. There's some good info on this forum if you do a search.

[addo]

I like to remove the rack, as this gives you a reason to clean everything in the vicinity and have a look around - part of due diligence on a car that's twelve or more years old. It also helps ensure a good clean fit to the new gaiters, with no grit inclusion.

A skilled mechanic may be able to bypass these concerns and give a good result. That said, a workshop will generally have one of the oversleeve type tools...

[Lighty]

There are tools available now to unscrew the rack ends in situ
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=s ... +rack+tool" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[citroenxm]

IN Situ, by having the rack on full lock each way!

Removing the rack is NOT easy! Steering colum needs to come off... hydraulic pipes need disconnecting, in some cases subframr lowering for the pinion valve to pass... However, if you slacken and remove everything off the rack you could then slide it out a little to get slightly better access to each end, rather then remove it completely!

Done a few now, all in situ, i little fiddle to get the little boot off the passenger side, but it was ok..

[allanmc]

Thanks for the replies I dont think I will be taking the rack off I am doing the wishbone bushes as well so might give more access, by the way I posted a letter last week with a photo of the inner ball joints I bought from Eurocarparts asking what the two little pieces were as I havnt got the old ones off yet I am unsure if these are the locking rings I hope they are,
thanks again
allan

[Citroenmad]

I tried to replace the NS one on mine a few weeks back. I struggled at first to get the rubber cover off the ball joint, however I noticed there was a slit in it (allowing grit in and so the joint had worn) so I cut the cover off. It might be worth inspecting your covers or just getting new ones before you start.

I did borrow a tool to remove the ball joint but it was incorrect and so I put it into the Citroen indy who fitted it for me. With the right tool it wouldn't seem that hard to fit, so long as the tool works and fits (unlike the one I had!).

In case you do get a rubber boot for the ball joint, as I found, there is only one size of boot which looks to have a too smaller hole to fit over the track rod, however it does fit.