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EZ steering rack boot installation tools

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Old 07-30-2013, 09:04 PM
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MFranke
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Default 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.


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Old 07-30-2013, 10:37 PM
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fraggle
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Well done!
Old 07-30-2013, 10:58 PM
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jpitman2
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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
Old 07-30-2013, 11:46 PM
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Stromius
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I used a Yoplait yogurt container and some lube. Ref.:http://reutterwerk.com/forums/showth...ght=rack+boots

Old 07-29-2018, 04:02 PM
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elgy
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After wasting an hour using screw drivers and looking for other methods I found this thread and used the needle nose pliers... 10 minutes and both sides done...
Thanks!
Old 07-29-2018, 04:42 PM
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Speedtoys
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I just lube the ends, and turn the wheel to fully compress one side, and then they go on pretty simply..then compress the other side.

Maybe need a screwdriver to help it start.
Old 07-29-2018, 08:21 PM
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StratfordShark
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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.
Old 07-29-2018, 10:19 PM
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elgy
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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.
Old 07-29-2018, 11:53 PM
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jpitman2
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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



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