tie rod boot

[Settings]

Can one replace the boot on the tie rod assembly without removing the whole thing? ie. Can I just remove the tie-rod end, loosen the bracket, and replace the boot?

I was in there today and it wasn't clear how the boot was attached and the role the bracket played. I have the control arm out on the other side now, so a quick tip before I re-assemble tomorrow would be great.

Sorry, I'm new to suspension/steering work.

[maxfax]

When you refer to the whole thing, are you meaning the inner and out tie rod, or just the outer..   IIRC you should be able to just remove the outer tie rod from the knuckle and work the old boot off, and new one on over everything..  I have seen some replacement boots however that have a small opening on the outer end and require removing the outer tie rod..

[Settings]

I've got the tie rod end off at the moment. So, in theory I can slip on the new boot...if I could get the old one off  
There was a small wire-tie securing the outer end of the boot, but I can't see how the boot is secured in by the steering rack. I thought that the bracket might be holding it on, but it didn't get any looser with the bracket loosened.

I found this picture with what looks to be a clamping strap...I don't see/feel that on mine.
Am I over-thinking this? Should I just yell at it some more?

[Settings]

Don't mind me.
It was covered in dirt and oil making it the same color as the boot. I accidentally scraped some off and bingo...there it was.
Sorry for the loser thread. I'd delete it if I could

[Henchman]

Did you order the replacement boots yet?  be careful because I've had problems getting the correct ones in the past.  The pictures they show on the worldpac type parts sites aren't correct.  Stay away from any that say for TRW rack.

Ian

[maxfax]

Sorry for the loser thread. I'd delete it if I could

No harm, no fowl..  It's always better to ask BEFORE you dive into the unknown and mess something up.. TRUST ME! 


AS Henchman mentioned be wary of the replacements you order as indeed I've went went rounds with boots that don't fit as well...  Very surprisingly I got some *universal* steering rack boots from Autozone once upon a time.. They fit like a glove...

[Settings]

I'm already on round 2 of boots. The first ones were clearly different (they were TRW) and I aborted the job before I got very deep. With the right (ZF) boots in hand I just couldn't get the old ones off. Once I figured it out, it was no problem at all.

[Henchman]

Were both boots the same (ZF ones).  Mine were, and one was clearly too short.  I used it anyways but ended up clamping the outer boots far in past the indent in the tie rod.  Not sure how my rack differs from your.  Rack probably the same but my arms may be different lenghts...

Ian

[Settings]

Same, so I just clamped it on short of the indent as well. Figure it doesn't really matter; just trying to keep the grime (or mud in my case) off the inner. I suppose the indent helps it from sliding in all the way. I'll worry about that years from now