Steering Rack Boot Replacement

[96'er]

When separating the tie rod to remove the old boot is there enough play in the tie rod to do this with the car on ramps or is it best to raise each side individually so the wheel has some play?

[96'er]

Wheels need to be suspended or can this be done with wheels on a ramp?

Buehler?, Buehler?

[elwesso]

the only way you could do this I think is if you undid both sides at the same time and used the play on the steering rack..

I wouldnt recommend doing that though, i would just lift the wheels off the ground...

[maxnix]

In any case, no matter how careful you are, things will be seriously out of whack and you will need an alignment.

This is another job where a lift makes access so much easier.

[96'er]

After my post I figured out that it wasn't going to work on the ramps so I am doing each wheel individually.

Maxnix you are correct an alignment will be in order.

What type of grease is used to lube the steering rack? The lube is red in color.

[Denver90Q]

I think some have been able to do this without realigning by counting the number of threads turned out on the rod? Might want to replace bushings at the same time if you have never done them?

[maxnix]

I think some have been able to do this without realigning by counting the number of threads turned out on the rod?

That will get you close, but no cigar.

[96'er]

I thought the same until I took it in to get it aligned and was told I wasn't even close.

[Haitian_King]

Wheels need to be suspended or can this be done with wheels on a ramp?

Buehler?, Buehler?

I totally heard Ben Stein's voice!

Which bushings are you replacing? The guy at the shop told me to remind him to straighten out the steering wheel next time I come in. The wheel will sometimes be turned slightly left even though the tires are straight. I can't remember what thread I saw it in, but I saw a picture of the bushing that's supposed to fix that. Is that the one you're talking about?

[Infinitiguy19]

Is this what he is talking about:

[96'er]

No I was replacing the rubber boots that protect the steering rack.

[unknown007]

I'll be doing the replacement soon too.I'm gonna lift the car in the air makes it much easier. Good luck to me and you.

[goody90q45]

I think some have been able to do this without realigning by counting the number of threads turned out on the rod?

This thread may help to answer some of the questions.

zerothread?id=291740

[Q451990]

The wheel will sometimes be turned slightly left even though the tires are straight. I can't remember what thread I saw it in, but I saw a picture of the bushing that's supposed to fix that. Is that the one you're talking about?

Unless the steering wheel is way way way off, that's something that the alignment should fix. As long as you have roughly the same number of turns center to lock each way, it's in the alignment.

Heath

[mxr662]

I counted the turns on the tie-rod ends and it was very close. As I pried up gently on the steering rack, the rack would move forward, not allowing the new insulator to slip in. I placed a socket between the crossover and rack then pried, the rack moved straight up allowing the insulator to slip around the rack.

If I had it to do over I would have replaced the tie-rod ends also.

Do the rack insulators while your there. It's easy and cheap.