I'm replacing my shot control arm bushings and decided to replace the stabilizer arm bushings while the subframe was out of the car. I searched the web and this forum for DIY instructions. Found some and was following faithfully. I also consulted the Bentley manual. However once everything was disconnected and I was lowering the subframe, it hung up on something on the driver's side after a few inches. I looked around underneath and found that the steering linkage was attached to the subframe with two? torx head screws. I saw nothing about these in the instructions or the Bentley manual.
Am I correct in having to remove these? The Bentley manual shows attachment points for the Steering rack on both the driver and passenger sides but I don't see anything hanging up on the passenger side.

All advice would be appreciated. Also what size external torx socket should I buy? The Bentley says it is an M10 X 50, but all my searches show external torx sizes with the letter E?

One more question. Do I need a special tool to press in all the ball joints I had to release. The ball joint tool from HF worked fine for popping them, but now I'm not sure how I'll get them back in. (I've never done a major job like this).

Thanks for any and all advice,

Bert

 

I think what is hanging up is the knuckle that attaches the steering column to the rack. Not a torx, but a regular 10mm or 12mm nut (with the nylon inside) holding on some sort of cam bolt. Pull this thing off and the part of the knuckle will flip up (or down) off of the steering column. You will see what I mean when you see what is down at the end of the column. Supposedly you have to replace this nut and bolt each time you take it off but I never have- I suppose replacing they nylon locking nut would be enough.

Don't move your steering wheel or rack after they are apart or the steering wheel alignment will be off when you put it back together.

Sorry I don't have pictures. Don't know about the ball joints.

Val

 

Yes, one normal bolt and once removed the metal rectangular 2 inch part swivels up.

 

Thanks Valvashon and HRM. I don't know where this may be, but I will go and look. Is that what was meant by "Unbolt the outer ball joint bracket to steering knuckle" in the guide?

 

Put in the Alta bushings, now they rattle.

 

Mark the parts that need to be aligned with a metal marking pen. White out can be used but is not as robust. 'E' Torx are 'E'xternal rather internal like an Allen bolt.