Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 06:44:52 -0500
Reply-To: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Power Steering Boots
In-Reply-To: <CAEOIPKOOCKNBBDDDMBPMEJEGFAA.jeff@vanagonparts.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
I replace steering rack boots even more simply. I just cut off the old
boot, take the tie rod end loose at the upright (without damaging it)
and squeeze the new boot over it and then clamp everything and reinstall
the tie rod end to the upright. Works great every time and you don't
fool with the alignment at all.
The only time this wouldn't work is if you have an aftermarket rebuilt
rack that is using Jetta style rack boots (they are out there). The
hole in the boot is just big enough for the tie rod. The stock Vanagon
boot has about a 1" hole in it (small end).
Be sure whenever you are replacing rack boots that you check for two
things.
1. There must be no power steering fluid leak at the rack. If there is
you need a new rack so forget about the boot.
2. There must be no play in the tie rod. The tie rod has a ball/socket
joint near where it screws into the rack. These can get worn out if the
rack boot has been ripped for a while and dirt has gotten in the joint.
Try wiggling the front wheel to see if there is any play in this joint.
If so then you need a new tie rod before you can put everything back
together.
Getting an alignment is not the end of the world folks. I have a local
shop that does them for me for $65 (four wheel, computerized, etc.). I
bet most of the vans out there need one anyway. Relatively inexpensive
and it can save wear and tear on the front end pieces as well as your
tires. Don't cheap out on the simple stuff. It will bite you later.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Jeffrey Schwaia wrote:
>Larry,
>
>The "correct way" would be to remove the tie rod end, replace the boot,
>reinstall the tie rod end, and get a wheel alignment.
>
>Most people don't want to spend the money for a wheel alignment if they
>don't need one, and I prefer not to mess with the tie rods & alignment, so I
>remove the tie rod at the rack to replace the boot. You need to use two
>wrenches to remove the tie rod from the from the rack, one wrench on the tie
>rod, the other is used on the rack shaft to prevent it from turning in the
>rack housing. Use a little loc-tite when you reinstall the tie rod and
>tighten it a little past it's previous position (with two wrenches again)
>and tap the lock ring into place. Use some nice black zip ties on the boot
>ends and viola, you're done.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Jeff
>www.vanagonparts.com
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
>Of AAG - Larry Word
>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 6:08 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Power Steering Boots
>
>
>So...what's the correct way for us non-lift homie mechanic to replace these
>PSR boots. I myself have taken the tie rod off
>carefully, replace the boot, and re-installed same tie rod. I've driven
>this vehicle safely for over 20K miles.
>
>Doesn't the tie rod shape hold it in place, as well as the nut (which you
>cannot tighten too much as it wants to turn?)>
>
>Help me keep my vehicle safe if you can....
>
>Thanks
>
>Larry
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Jeffrey Schwaia" <jeff@VANAGONPARTS.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 8:14 PM
>Subject: Re: Power Steering Boots - hose clamp attachment
>
>
>
>
>>Wrong.
>>
>>We do this all the time here at the shop when we replace steering rack
>>boots. Takes a little doing and of course it's much easier when the van
>>
>>
>is
>
>
>>on a lift.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>
>>Jeff
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
>>Of George Goff
>>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 5:37 AM
>>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>Subject: Re: Power Steering Boots - hose clamp attachment
>>
>>
>>In a message dated 1/26/05 12:30:10 AM, jeff@VANAGONPARTS.COM writes:
>>
>><< Unscrew the tie rod at the steering rack instead of removing the tie
>>
>>
>rod
>
>
>>end. That way you won't have any issues with the alignment. >>
>>
>>Bad idea if not impossible. With the rack mounted to the car the tie rod
>>locking notch is on the topside of the rack and it would take some real
>>doing to
>>perish the locking crimp so that the tie rod could be wrung off. Once the
>>means of locking the tie rod has been lost, the tie rod is useless. All
>>this is
>>moot, anyway, since the rack has to be off the car and clamped in a bench
>>vise
>>in order to R&R the tie rods.
>>
>>George
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
| 
