How To Install Ajps Lock Spacer

Thought I'd write up a guide to installing an AJPS lock spacer. Not that's it's hard to figure out but because I found that the AJPS instructions didn't have any actual pics of the installation.

This is a task that can be handled easily by mechanical n00bies :yes:

First loosen the clamps on the rack side of the dust boots (small phillips screw) and slide them down the tie rod.

If your wondering why there's less grease on the passenger side it's because the rack teeth are on the drivers side.

Then use a fairly big adjustable wrench to crack the inner tie rods (Don't worry about the little locking tab, just put the wrench on that too), and in my case I could undo the rest by rotating it with my hand.

They're traditional left is loose, right is tight (Some cars are not).

Screw in the rack spacer on the passenger side and tighten it. Do not go overtightening. Locktight is not needed at all but if it makes you feel better put some medium stuff on not the supertight stuff.

Then slip the spacer on the drivers side tie rod and reattach both tie rods.

Now the important thing to do is center the rack when aligning it after.

It's pretty simple. Measure on the drivers side from the end of the rack HOUSING to the inner tierod (not spacer) and on the passenger side end of rack housing to the wider part of the spacer; turn the steering till both measurements are exactly the same. If you turn your wheel from full left to full right the half the number of turns back, it should be in about the right spot. The reason I say not to do this is because in practice unless being really carefull it'll be a bit of as it's hard to judge because the steering wheel is not straight. However it's proably fine and i'm just being pedantic :P

Get the idea?

Your steering wheel will not be straight. remove and reattach it as straight as the splines/boss kit let you, reinstall the dust boots then get an alignment with you steering wheel straight and your done, Tada! :D

Was wondering whether or not to post this but it can't hurt.

Hope this helps someone :)

Edited May 4, 201313 yr by Ke70 Fan