offside steering rack gaiter split

[Niander]

DReaded mot had failed on offside steering rack gaiter split
ive got the new one coming but ive never tackled this job before
do i need any special tools...any advice appreciated

thanks

[California Dreamin]

No special tools, a 22/24mm? open ended spanner, a pair of vice grips, a big hammer something to lever with (jack handle perhaps) and a piece of chalk.
Mark a line across the track rod end and rack thread, undo the lock nut, undo the track rod end retaining nut. Find a lever point close to the track rod and apply weight.....now the skillful bit....hit the hammer hard and square on the arm level with where the track rod enters the arm.
Basically 'shocking off' the taper joint...might take 2 - 3 good strikes but don't miss whatever you do...

Unscrew the track rod from it's thread remembering the exact amount of turns.....cut off the old gaitor....fit new....re-assemble.
Tighten lock nut in exactly the same place so the chalk mark lines up..
Done and no need for adjustments as you refitted the same as it came off.

Martin

[Ian Hulley]

The GSF (OEM) rack gaiters fit over the track rod end .. tight but they fit over without removing the rod end.

Ian

[slowcoach]

The GSF (OEM) rack gaiters fit over the track rod end .. tight but they fit over without removing the rod end.

Ian

If you can get that working, that's a great tip I found it pretty hard to separate the lock nut and end from each other.

[nutbox]

I got a gsf and a justkampers gaiter over the tie rod ends,a bit of grease over the tierod end helps.
Easy job,it's just a pain in the butt to get it over the larger mating surface near the rack mounting bolts
Cheers

[Ian Hulley]

Easy job,it's just a pain in the butt to get it over the larger mating surface near the rack mounting bolts
Cheers

Yep, without it being all wrinkled ... I seem to remember using a greased wooden chip fork

[tandemsandy]

Yup, our boot from Brickwerks fitted over the track rod end. Getting the big end over the rack was an absolute b*£%@&d ! Ended up unbolting the rack from the crossmember, which was a good excuse to fit poly bushes in place of the soggy rubber ones.

Rob

[Niander]

thanks for the advice waiting for it to to arrive