2007 MK7 350 RWD steering rack removal?

[urga]

I think I've read most of the posts on here about this, and tried to follow them as best I can, but I can't get the rack out through the driver's side opening? I've loosened the ARB plates to give me a bit more room, and jacked up the gearbox to allow rotation of the rack and pipes. Tried rotating it both ways, but it's got me beat. I'm doing this myself with the van on jacks, which doesn't help.
So, can anyone suggest anything I could try. There's no way I'll get the subframe free to drop as it's rusted solid. Took me an hour just to get the ARB bolts free and moving. Do you have to drop a wishbone? Although it looks as if it's the physical opening between the steelwork that will still have me beat.
Anyone?

[knobby1]

I believe the subframe needs to be dropped an inch or two to allow clearance.

Lord Knobrot

[urga]

Hi
Yes, I know that that's the correct way to do it, but, because of rusted bolts, and that others have seemed to managed it without dropping the subframe, I was hoping for some pointers as to how they didz it

[blue estate]

Hi
Yes, I know that that's the correct way to do it, but, because of rusted bolts, and that others have seemed to managed it without dropping the subframe, I was hoping for some pointers as to how they didz it

Just undo the anti roll bar bush holders fully and the link rods and you should be able to get the rack out
That how I did my jumbo

[urga]

That's what I've done, but I can't get it by the steelwork? What way did you rotate it to get it out?

[Noctule]

The rack will come out without dropping the subframe, but only if the pipes are removed first.

I had to change a pipe a couple of years ago, but couldn't get either of the pipes out of the rack in situ. Ended up cutting both pipes and replacing the rack as well as the ends would not come out.

Mat

[urga]

Ahh. If you removed the pipes to get the rack out, did you have to fit the new rack without the pipes and then refit the pipes in situ?
I've managed to get the rack out after removing the ARB bushes and plates from the bar and jacking up the gearbox a bit.Reallt awkward and I'm not looking forward to trying to fit the new rack without damaging it

[Noctule]

Yes, I fitted the new rack then attached the pipes once the rack was in place. I used a long piece of cardboard box to make a guide to feed the new rack through, I suppose a piece of gutter would also work.

[urga]

I just bought a thin sheet of aluminium to do the exact same thing. Figured it will help slide the rack back into position without dropping into the holes in the subframe.I'll try it with the pipes connected, but if it proves too risky and remove them as you did.
Thanks all!