So I dropped the subframe to do bushings and balljoints... totally forgot to mark the bolt that I undid for the steering rack. Can anyone tell me how to line it up properly? 😁

 

Center the steering wheel from above, center the steering rack on the subframe as best as you can, install subframe, the steering shaft should line up just off of straight on the rack spindle, then install the bolt and tighten the nut.

 

After you do that get an alignment for sure, especially it you touched or replaced the tire rods.

 

I did the same thing, it was a bear to get that thing lined up and reattached, but now I notice my steering wheel is not in the correct position when the tires are straight and there is a lurching or stop in the steering as I move the wheel from one side to the other. It is like the steering gets to a certain point and then "stops" and I have to push it through till it hits another stop/pause, usually 2 or 3 from one side to the other. I assume this "problem" is being caused because I may have(probably) got the steering linkage reattached incorrectly(?) I will be redoing it again tomorrow but I am also getting a constant rubbing noise from my front wheels, FYI I replaced inner and outer ball joints, lca bushings, sway bar bushings, struts and installed IE fixed camber plates when I dropped the sub frame. I will also be working on/trying to diagnose this tomorrow as well. If anyone in Miniland has any input on either problem, it would be greatly appreciated. I'll let you know what I can figure out.
Motor on!

 

Let us know.

 

So I was right about the steering; it was not lined up correctly when I reinstalled the sub frame. Basically what happened was the u joint was hitting and sticking somewhat on the shaft for the steering. As the u joint spun, the shaft would stick out just enough for the "lobe" of the u joint to stick on it. I realized I did not line the steering wheel up straight with the tires so it was a bit wonky going back together. So I removed the pinch bolt uncoupled the steering(again) and realigned the steering wheel and the tires/wheels. When I did that it went back together very easily and worked awesome on the test drive. As for the wheel noise there is what I will call a splash shield on the inside of the brake rotor and for some reason when I put everything back together it was rubbing on the back of the rotor, I just ran a thin dowel between the rotor and the sheet metal to create a gap, problem solved. hope that makes sense.