steering rack inner ends.....

Yet another question for you all :-D

I've got new inner rack ends and track rod ends to fit.
Anybody know if it's better to leave the steering rack on the car to change these??
There's a square tab washer on the inner rack that's pinched into a slot on the end of the steering rack gear shaft. I've got new tab washers coming cos I didn't see them till I.started the job. I know I'm gonna destroy the washers I just want to know if it's easier or best to take the whole rack off the car to remove the tab washers cos space is tight with the chassis leg to be knocking the tabs off?? 
Cheers,Matt

Tab washers not to hard to lift tab.
I done them on car & reused washers as not damaged/broken but new ones not bad idea.

How did you get them off cos lifting the tabs is one thing, but they've been pinched into the slot on the steering rack shaft?? Or in gtir manual it's called clinch.

You can use a pair of big grips mate or buy the proper tool for about £20 I think sealey do it, look for track rod/ rack end removal tool, it will make the job easier.

houghy_1 wrote:How did you get them off cos lifting the tabs is one thing, but they've been pinched into the slot on the steering rack shaft?? Or in gtir manual it's called clinch.

clinch is a english word for bending or forming to secure/lock
The tabs you want lift are the 2 you calling 'clinch'. you don't misshape the washer form that goes over the nut shape of the steering arm inner ball.
You will find even if they not lifted out of the 2 notches in the rack end you can still undo the steering arm & they should lift/twist out of notches.
New lock washer comes formed for nut & once tight you stake down (clinch) the lock washer collar into the two recess points, I have a toothed pair of pipe grips for this, the tooth pushes down & clinches the washer collar into the rack end notch.
* 2 more tips, bit of light heat may make old one easier unscrew if holding on the threadlock, gentle heat only or you'll f00k the seal in the rack.
Use good quality thread lock when refitting & do not miss doing this step.

So do I need one of these.... 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-VS4000-Steering-Rack-Knuckle/dp/B004746FLI 
Or one of these then.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-4765-Track-Tool-35-45mm/dp/B0034HOSNG/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_1_0

Thanks for the tips guys :-)

Link isn't working for the first one mate, the second one is a good bit of kit, but pricey for minimal use dude

You don't need either of those .

http://www.sealey.co.uk/PLPageBuilder.asp?id=20&method=mViewProduct&productid=14846

That was the first one.
Anyhow I'll give it a go next time I'm in the garage.
I'll see if I can get hold of some toothed pipe grips that will help me with the clinching. 
Big thanks for the tips!!

One is easy to bend into the recess, other has poor access so toothed slim slip joint pliers worked for me. you can make one from cheap pair of slip joint pliers & a spot of weld as the tooth.