Mystery pin found in engine compartment

[AustinHealey]

I was removing the steering rack on my 1995 Legacy wagon (a fun job, to be sure), and a hollow pin came out with it (see photo).

I think it's likely that the pin didn't come from the rack (which generally are designed so pins don't fall out randomly), but had fallen on top of it -- months or years ago.

So my question: Any guesses what it is? The inner diameter is approx 1/8," and the pin is apparently designed to be compressed by whatever goes around it.

Only other job I've done recently was to replace the starter about a month ago, which has been working normally.

All guesses and idle speculation welcomed!

Edited December 30, 2019 by AustinHealey

[Thor294]

Shifter bushing pin I believe

[donguaren]

It´s from the inner CV joint (diff side) it holds the CV axle from sliding out.

[Brighton96]

I bet someone was really mad when they lost that haha. It can be either the CV axle one (on the trans side) or the shifter linkage. I would guess CV since that's a pretty normal job to do during the life of the car. Just check the holes on the CV axles to make sure a pin is already in there. Otherwise just hold onto it, those are pain to find replacements for.

[doublechaz]

I know for sure the way you get the one out of the axle inner CV it is likely to shoot out and then fall on top of the rack or cross member.

[ehsnils]

Those pins are pretty much standard spring pins.

 

 

The length of the pin isn't a major concern, if it's too long just grind it down.

 

 

If you need them you might find them here: http://nfgab.se/en/fasteners/9_pins-and-lock-rings/900_spring-roll-pin/1902_slotted-spring-pins-iso-8752/