Almost embarrassed to ask, but getting the steering rack boots onto the rack end is proving to be difficult. I have tried to use a screw driver to pull the lip over the edge, but I can never seem to get the full edge onto the rack. I tried to pull it over the edge, but no luck.

Just curious what others have done, I am thinking about adding some oil to try to help get the edge started.

Funny what bites you in the *** sometimes

 

Yup..lube, use it, it wont hurt.

Something to get inside the lip to pull it up, then a pick or something to pull it around can help too, if you have the room.

 

You could try putting it in hot water to see if it will soften up the rubber a little to get some extra stretch.

 

Nah..it'll cool before he gets it back on to that point again..

it'll stretch, a lot..lube, pull it up and over, then pull it around with something.

Like a tire on a rim.

 

Turn the rack so that the boot is as compressed as possible. This does help immensely

 

Seems like others have been here and done this. I am reluctant to use a pick because of the sharp end. I do have some plastic trim tools that may work. I will also compress the boot. thanks guys.

the funny thing is I pulled for so long, my upper arms are dead... The boots needed to be replaced, and I got the rack rebuilt while it was off the car.

 

I have used pliers with rubber on the teeth to pull the rubber over the edge of the rack. You can wrap the teeth of the pliers with tape and then use them.

 

And pinch the accordion portion of the boot to pull the edge over. Pull it further then needed and then you can gently move it back to seat properly. I hope I am making myself clear.

 

Just did this over the weekend.
Vice-Grips.....the boot is pretty tough.
Pull, stretch and wiggle.....it'll go.

 

Are 928 rack boots impossible to get on?





Nope, it can be done. Another myth busted!

 

When I fitted new rack boots to go with new tie rods/ends I struggled to get the boots onto the groove on the rack.

Then I read a marvellous tip from MrMerlin. For the LHS boot turn wheels to full left lock (steering lock has to be released with key in ignition), and the boot just slides up and can then be tugged the last few mm into the groove. No tools needed except your hand - I didn't even need any WD40 or other rubber-friendly lubricant. Same on RHS but full right lock applied. At full lock the stop and tie rod inner end are pressed against the rack housing, creating a kind of former for the boot to slide up the short distance onto the rack.

Honestly it's ridiculously easy this way. Doesn't even need much effort, and you don't have to worry about tearing the boot with vise grips etc.

 

You might want to heat the boot with a hair dryer, lube with dish detergent.

 

to install the boots to the rack body is quite simple,
a quick spray with WD40 or silicone spray onto the inner boot ,
then turn the wheels to the right to fit the right boot,
then to the left to fit the left boot.

What happens is that the inner tie rod end acts as a ramp when its against the rack housing,
and the boot simply slides onto its seat, easy peasy

 

Lube them up, use your fingers to pull down and stretch them a bit, then work them on. Pain yes, doable, sure. Passenger side is easier than the drivers so start on the drivers side, that way you will feel better about how easy it was.

 

I am beging to think this is a right of passage. Hopefully Mr Merlins trick will work. sounds like it will. I have to let my arms recoup