Steering Gear Boot Replacement

Steering Gear Boot Replacement

Tools Required

J 22610 Keystone Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure




1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).
3. Remove the hexagon jam nut (2) from the inner tie rod (1).




4. Remove the tie rod end clamp (2) from the rack and pinion boot (1).




5. Remove the boot clamp (1) from the rack and pinion boot with side cutters.
6. Discard the boot clamp (1).





Important:
* Prior to removing the breather tube or the rack and pinion boot, mark the location of the breather tube on the power steering gear.

* After removing the boot, inspect the inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If none is evident, continue with the repair. If corrosion or contamination is evident, replace the steering gear.


7. Disconnect the breather tube from the rack and pinion boot (1).
Remove the rack and pinion boot (1) from the power steering gear.

Installation Procedure




1. Prior to the rack and pinion boot installation, apply grease to the inner tie rod (2) and the power steering gear (1).
2. Install the rack and pinion boot (3) onto the inner tie rod (2).
3. Install the breather tube while aligning the breather tube with the mark made during removal and the molded nipple of the rack and pinion boot.

Important: The rack and pinion boot (3) must not be twisted, puckered or out of shape in any way. If the rack and pinion boot (3) is not shaped properly, adjust the rack and pinion boot (3) by hand before installing the boot clamp.


4. Install the rack and pinion boot onto the power steering gear (1) until the rack and pinion boot (3) is seated in the power steering gear groove.




5. Install the boot clamp (1) on the rack and pinion boot (2).
6. Crimp the boot clamp (1) using the J 22610 .




7. Install the new boot clamp (2) onto the rack and pinion boot (1).




8. Install the hexagon jam nut (2) to the inner tie rod (1).
9. Install the outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement (Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement).
10. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement (Wheel Alignment Measurement).