How to replace a steering rack boot [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change steering rack gaiter on a car – replacement tutorial

You may need the following:

                      a new steering rack boot

                      a set of suitable tools
                    
                      all-purpose cleaning spray
                    
                      WD-40 spray
                    
                      сlic-R collar pliers
                    
                      a torque wrench
                    
                      a ball joint puller
                    
                      a measuring tool

Buy tools

Please note!

The steering rack boot protects the rack shaft and inner tie rod end from dirt and water
The dust boot loses its elasticity over time, which leads to it getting damaged

1.

Raise the car using a car lift or a jack with jack stands and wheel chocks
2.

Turn the steering wheel as far as it will go to access the component

AUTODOC recommends:
Before getting down to work, measure how far the tie rod is screwed into the tie rod endThis value affects the toe angleAfter the dust boot replacement, the tie rod should be reinstalled in its original positionYou can make a mark on it to guide you when fitting a new part
3.

To replace the dust boot, you will need to disconnect the tie rod end from the steering knuckle and the tie rod or unscrew the tie rod from the tie rod end
4.

Clean the working area
5.

Measure the distance from the beginning of the threaded portion on the tie rod to the tie rod end, not to the lock nut

Important!
This is because the distance to the lock nut will vary depending on the thickness of the lock nut
6.

Detach the tie rod end from the steering knuckle
7.

Unscrew the tie rod end from the tie rod
8.

Remove the lock nut carefully so as not to erase the mark

Please note!
In many cases, the tie rod end doesn’t have to be removed
9.

Unscrew the tie rod from it
10.

Loosen or remove the clamp that fastens the dust boot

Caution!
While carrying out the work, hold the tie rod end firmly so as not to damage its ball joint
11.

Secure the tie rod end and unscrew the tie rod from it
12.

Remove the dust boot fasteners and take the boot out
13.

Clean the steering rack shaft of old grease and dirt and apply some new grease

AUTODOC experts recommend:
Check the condition of the tie rod end, tie rod axle joint, and the steering rack
14.

Fit the dust boot on the tie rod and the steering rack
15.

Make sure the boot fits tightly to its mounting seats and is secured reliably
16.

Check that the clamps are installed correctly and that they hold the dust boot firmly in place
17.

Screw on the lock nut, using your mark as reference
18.

Treat all the parts and fasteners with an anti-corrosion agent before reinstalling them
19.

Screw the tie rod end onto the tie rod according to your mark or maintaining the required length

Important!
After finishing the work, be sure to align the wheels using a special alignment machine
20.

Tighten all fasteners to the torque recommended by the car manufacturer
21.

Treat the fasteners with an anti-corrosion agent
22.

Make sure that the wheel mounting surface is clean and smooth to prevent wheel imbalance
23.

Treat it with an anti-corrosion agent