cotter pin !?!#?

[alice]

Hi people! Having a nightmare trying to replace my sump gasket!!! Anyway I've got to the point of undoing the steering gear. But cannot get the cotter pin!!! The nut came off but it won't budge... can I keep hitting it??
Cheers Alice

[Bas / NZ]

I would say yes, but leave the nut on a little as not to stuff up the thread, maybe a little CRC sprayed over it may help, might just soak it's way in.

[BusyKiwi]

They are very easy to bend if not hit straight.

What it is, is a round pin with a taper on one side and the thread at the end. The thread only holds the nut, the pin goes through both sides of the steering yoke.
As Bas said, leave the nut on, but it should be a lock nut so turn it over first.

Depending on the engine you shouldn't have to take the steering off.

[Sammy]

you might find applying a small amount of heat to the steering knuckle might help too .... I know I stuffed the end of my cotter pin getting it out!