Steering dust boot
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elwesso
- Posts: 30810
- Joined: Sun Feb 23, 2003 4:52 pm
- Car: 94 Infiniti Q45t 5 spd
2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT - Location: Indiana
- Contact:
Steering dust boot
The other day I went to look under my car, and the passenger side dust boot on the steering control arm (i think) is cracked open, and I can see the metal inside..... Is this a big deal that I need to get it replaced ASAP before I drive it, or can it wait.....? The drivers side one looks just fine.....
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Q45tech
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- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
If you don't mind replacing your steering rack [$1200] don't bother to fix............road dirt/water gets in and destroys the rack seals fast!
See why you get the oil changed somewhere every 90 days whose techs know what to look for!
If they are both the same age, change both as the labor will/should be less in the long run............good time to check inner and outer tie rods and ends for play and how are the rack support bushings. How are kingpin bearings, upper links, tension rods swaybar bushings ....................all the things that wear and need changing.
See why you get the oil changed somewhere every 90 days whose techs know what to look for!
If they are both the same age, change both as the labor will/should be less in the long run............good time to check inner and outer tie rods and ends for play and how are the rack support bushings. How are kingpin bearings, upper links, tension rods swaybar bushings ....................all the things that wear and need changing.
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elwesso
- Posts: 30810
- Joined: Sun Feb 23, 2003 4:52 pm
- Car: 94 Infiniti Q45t 5 spd
2007 BMW M Coupe
2007 Infiniti G35 S 6MT - Location: Indiana
- Contact:
So these arent something that are hard to fix??? Is it DIYable??
Dennis, would I have to take it somewhere to have all those other things checked??? Maybe its just time for a dealer visit.....
In the mean time, Ill try to avoid driving it in rain.......
Also (assuming that it has been this way for a while), how can I tell if its time for a new steering rack???
Dennis, would I have to take it somewhere to have all those other things checked??? Maybe its just time for a dealer visit.....
In the mean time, Ill try to avoid driving it in rain.......
Also (assuming that it has been this way for a while), how can I tell if its time for a new steering rack???
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Q45tech
- Moderator
- Posts: 14296
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2002 3:19 am
- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
If you don't mind replacing your steering rack [$1200] don't bother to fix............road dirt/water gets in and destroys the rack seals fast!
See why you get the oil changed somewhere every 90 days whose techs know what to look for!
If they are both the same age, change both as the labor will/should be less in the long run............good time to check inner and outer tie rods and ends for play and how are the rack support bushings. How are kingpin bearings, upper links, tension rods swaybar bushings ....................all the things that wear and need changing.
See why you get the oil changed somewhere every 90 days whose techs know what to look for!
If they are both the same age, change both as the labor will/should be less in the long run............good time to check inner and outer tie rods and ends for play and how are the rack support bushings. How are kingpin bearings, upper links, tension rods swaybar bushings ....................all the things that wear and need changing.
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Q451990
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The job is very DIYable. You'll just need to make sure to take the car in for an alignment afterwards. You just separate the inner tie rod from the outer tie rod end (the inner just pivots on a ball joint inside the rack) by unscrewing it. I mark the threads on the inner rod to get it as close as possible when I put it back together.
I'd get an appropriate grease and clean the inner tie rod joint with brake parts cleaner and a toothbrush when you get the boot off. This will get as much dirt out of the grease as possible. Then install the new boots. The service manual is very detailed about how to place the metal ties on the large side of the boot to prevent damage or interference with anything else.
Heath
I'd get an appropriate grease and clean the inner tie rod joint with brake parts cleaner and a toothbrush when you get the boot off. This will get as much dirt out of the grease as possible. Then install the new boots. The service manual is very detailed about how to place the metal ties on the large side of the boot to prevent damage or interference with anything else.
Heath
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Q451990
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Should be fine on the duct tape front... there are heat shields above the boots. I think the boots cost about $10-15 each, so bare minimum $30 + alignment for DIY. While you're down there I'd check for play in other bushings and at a minimum grease the sway bar bushings. It really just depends on the condition of the other rubber suspension components. Check for play on each wheel once you get the front end off the ground. I really like to do a complete suspension overhaul all at one time vs. trying to track down a new squeak or rattle every three months.
Heath
Heath
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slaughtermimms
- Posts: 114
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- Car: '95 Infiniti Q45
'02 Ford F150 - Location: Augusta, GA
elwesso,
If you have not ordered the parts yet........you might want to check out JC Whitney. I had the same problem with my Volvo and it was easy, and you do have to take the hole car apart......for the Volvo anyway, that may not be true for your car. Just a thought OME is always the best even if it is more work.
If you have not ordered the parts yet........you might want to check out JC Whitney. I had the same problem with my Volvo and it was easy, and you do have to take the hole car apart......for the Volvo anyway, that may not be true for your car. Just a thought OME is always the best even if it is more work.