Finished replacing my leaking steering rack, and I can't get the tie rod boots over the rack end. I've tried screwdrivers, and hook pullers without result. Don't want to rip the boots... The only thing I can think of now is to try and make a 'forcing cone' to stretch the boot opening over the end of the rack.... I don't want to have to dismount the rack to get them on.... Anyone have any ideas on this??

 

Silicon spray..... helps a load.

 

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I had a mechanic that would put his two index fingers inside the boot, slightly stretch the boot, pull it over the tack, and remove his fingers after the boots were in place.

No kidding!

I tried it once.

Hurt really bad.

 

The boots are pretty tough. With two pairs of pliers, position yourself with your head at the center of car so that you can grab each side of the boot and pull it towards you onto the rack. Once you have got that figured out the other side is easy.

 

to install the right rack boot ,turn the wheel all the way right,
spray some WD40 onto the inner boot seating area,
and then slide the boot over the inner tierod it forms a cone when the rack is all the way turned
the boot slips into its seating groove.
Turn the wheel all the way left for the left boot

 

I used the MrMerlin technique. Worked beautifully.

I had the rack off the car at the time so, like the idiot I am, squirted fluid all over the place when I did this.

 

now you have bled your rack, good job!

 

Ditto. Easy-peasy.

 

Thanks Stan, I didn't try it with the steering turned all the way over. I have been using Hemostats and a hook shaped puller and haven't gotten anywhere.. I don't want to rip the boots.

 

Another vote for Stan’s tip.

i was having frustrating time with boot till saw this tip in old thread. It makes it ridiculously easy to install the boots. It’s almost as if they designed the rack that way.

 

I think they did

 

I struggled even using the coat hangers. I just couldn't generate enough pulling force without them coming out. Then I had the idea of using bike tire levers. They worked perfect and you can work them around the edge to get it over the lip. The Park tool ones or similar that have a narrow hook work great. I also enlisted my son for extra hands, he used the coat hangers. Left side took under 5 mins with this method!

 

if you follow the above instruction,
it should take you less than 20 seconds to slide the inner side into its groove.

Spray the area with WD 40 make sure the wheel is full lock so the inner tierod is against the rack
push the boot into place with your fingers,
the inner rack joint is tapered so the boot slides easily into place