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Steering Rack Boots

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DougF

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The TR6 is coming up for inspection and the boots were maybe 6 years old and in need of replacing. Since both sides were either torn or blown out, it was time to replace them.

The passenger side was fairly easy, though the boots aren't really willing to give and getting past the tie rod nut is a small challenge. But then there is the driver's side.

I remember last time I swapped them out I was able to do it with the steering rack in place, though I remember it wasn't a pleasant experience. I must have said some very special prayers that day because I have no idea how it is possible to do that job with the rack in place....it's hard enough to get the boot in place let alone secure it. I ended up using safety wire but with much struggle.

This is one of those products that I would be willing to pay a high premium for a very high quality rubber, just to know I'd never have to perform that task again.

Fortunately, this is the last bigger project I need to do on the 6 and can soon start back on the TR3. I really want to have a TR3 on the road again.
 
I too struggled with the drivers side. The combination of greasy hands and placement made slipping the boot in place as is impossible. By chance I decided to turn the end of the boot back on itself, then butted it against the bracket and flipped the "turned" part back over the bracket. I worked the first time and surprised the heck out of me.
 
You're done now but FWIW here is the technique I used on my TR4 and later on my VW...

Stretched the boot end over a glass bottle (filled with warm water which may also help):

VW%20Rack%20Boot%201.JPG


After some time for it to relax I took it off the bottle and stretched it over the open end of a lid from a spray can:

VW%20Rack%20Boot%202.JPG


I then cut the lid off leaving a ring of plastic which holds the boot open:

VW%20Rack%20Boot%203.JPG


Once the ring & boot are over the rack (obviously the can lid must be a larger diameter than the rack) the ring can be cut and pulled away.
 
I don't remember how I did it last time, but the addition of oil cooler lines made access extremely limited. My steering column was looking pretty shabby which made the decision of pulling the rack a little easier.

Thanks for the ideas. I hope I never have to do it again.
 
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