should i worry if i broke this?

[Axel Grungy]

this is a pic of the steering rack. should i worry if i broke this?? i managed to bust it while changing my coolant by smacking it with the ratchet. it was old brittle plastic and it just shattered. it just seems to be a cover to keep dust and crap out, as far as i know. i know it will be a PITA to install another one, and id prolly have to go to a dealer to get the part, so should i bother??

[benemorius]

I'd say it's up to you. I personally wouldn't bother; others would do it for the peace of mind. Truth is - there are probably ten other places on your car where the same type of thing has happened that you don't know about. The only difference is that you know about this one.

[Axel Grungy]

lol yeah id have to agree with you. its an old car.

[Hijacker]

my only concern is that it will shorten the life span on that rack. and could potentially lock the steering if enough crap wedges into the teeth.