EZ steering rack boot installation tools
07-30-2013 | 10:04 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 500
Likes: 5
From: Powder Springs, GA
EZ steering rack boot installation tools
Here is the method and tools that worked for me and made 928 boot install a snap.
In this case the rack was on the car and only the inner tie rod ends were separated. I was having issues getting the small end of the boot over the tie rod inner end.
1) Make sure everything is clean, including the whole tie rod
2). Stick the boots in hot water from kettle for a few minutes and then shake the water off
3) lube the boot ends with dish soap
4) stick 3 plastic spoons into the small end of boot and orient them 120 degrees from each other with the handles sticking out of the boot toward the rod end
5) put the small end of the boot on over the inner tie rod end by pulling on the spoon handles It will go over the rod end and the rubber seal nice and easy with the spoons
6) attach and tighten the rod end to the rack
7) take two needle nose pliers and pull the fat end of the boot over the rack end and let lt snap in place
There you go - takes 10 minutes maybe.
In this case the rack was on the car and only the inner tie rod ends were separated. I was having issues getting the small end of the boot over the tie rod inner end.
1) Make sure everything is clean, including the whole tie rod
2). Stick the boots in hot water from kettle for a few minutes and then shake the water off
3) lube the boot ends with dish soap
4) stick 3 plastic spoons into the small end of boot and orient them 120 degrees from each other with the handles sticking out of the boot toward the rod end
5) put the small end of the boot on over the inner tie rod end by pulling on the spoon handles It will go over the rod end and the rubber seal nice and easy with the spoons
6) attach and tighten the rod end to the rack
7) take two needle nose pliers and pull the fat end of the boot over the rack end and let lt snap in place
There you go - takes 10 minutes maybe.
07-30-2013 | 11:58 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,283
Likes: 49
From: Australia
There are many utube clips on this job - here is one -
Another uses a funnel shaped tool - like a soft drink bottle (big enough to fit over the outer tie rod or whatever obstruction is on the rod) with its base removed, lubricated well, fitted over tie rod, lube the boot, slide it down the funnel. You can also do similar with cv joints on the rear axle.
jp 83 Euro S AT 55k
jp 83 Euro S AT 55k
07-31-2013 | 12:46 AM
#4
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 2
From: Bellevue, WA
I used a Yoplait yogurt container and some lube. Ref.:http://reutterwerk.com/forums/showth...ght=rack+boots
07-29-2018 | 09:21 PM
#7
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,305
Likes: 92
From: Stratford-upon-Avon
When I fitted new inner rods and rack boots I used the technique of turning wheel full lock to the side you’re dealing with. I don’t think I needed any lube either. Couldn’t believe how easy it made it to slide boots into position, whereas before reading about this trick I was really struggling.
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07-29-2018 | 11:19 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 111
From: Laval (near Montreal) QC
The rack of my '78 has the old style stops that are larger in diameter than the ends of the rack, so I believe the boot needs more encouragement to get it in place then on the racks with the newer stops.
07-30-2018 | 12:53 AM
#9
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,283
Likes: 49
From: Australia
My 83 has rings on the tie rods at least 1.5-2" dia where the outer boot end attaches. When I did the boots I separated the outer tie rod end from the steering arm, cut the end of the boot (generic) to suit the ring, and was able to slip the boot over the outer end without disturbing the adjustment, and get it all the way onto the rack without any problems.
jp 83 Euro S AT 57k
jp 83 Euro S AT 57k
