[Steering & Suspension] N/S inner tie rod end

[Mike Tidball]

Today in dreadful conditions I had a go at replacing one of my son's tie rods N/S
I couldn't work out how to remove the rubber boot that covers the inner joint.
I tried removing the part it connects too by taking off what I presume is the power steering ram but that didn't help.
Do you just pull it off by hand or does it need getting under with a screwdriver.
I did try with a screwdriver but not knowing how it's fixed I was afraid of damaging it.
Mike

[geoff]

Hello Mike and please take it the right way but it would seem prudent for you to get yourself a Haynes manual.

[Mike Tidball]

Hello Mike and please take it the right way but it would seem prudent for you to get yourself a Haynes manual.

Thanks for the reply geoff, I do have a Haynes manual and it states that there are no user replaceable parts on the rack and that it has to go to a reconditioners to have any parts changed. However the inner ball joints are available and the job shouldn't be too bad. it's just a case of knowing whether to pull at the boot a bit harder or whether something else has to come apart first.
Mike

[JohnM]

If it is the small rubber boot, it just pulls off, but it might get damaged in the process. I think they are a main dealer part only, but are not too expensive. You will need a special tool to undo the inner joint if you don't have one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Hex-Dri...OSwjVVVqLO-

As you have found out, Haynes manuals are very poor in respect of the steering rack, mine needed a £5 rack gaiter, Haynes instruct you to replace the whole rack!!!!!!!!!!! To55ers!

[Mike Tidball]

If it is the small rubber boot, it just pulls off, but it might get damaged in the process. I think they are a main dealer part only, but are not too expensive. You will need a special tool to undo the inner joint if you don't have one. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Hex-Dri...OSwjVVVqLO-

As you have found out, Haynes manuals are very poor in respect of the steering rack, mine needed a £5 rack gaiter, Haynes instruct you to replace the whole rack!!!!!!!!!!! To55ers!

Thanks for the reply, I believe this is the boot I'm on about
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Steering-Rack-...SwI-BWOmze
Thanks for the link for the tool, the one I borrowed although hex in shape also has serrations and will hopefully undo it, otherwise I shall order the tool, still cheaper than having a garage do the job.

[Mike Tidball]

Well I got the boot off but due to the design they are not re-usable, the boot is glued to a round, serrated washer that once pushed on has to be broken to get off, also the tool I borrowed was unable to undo the round part. I did take a lump hammer and chisel to it but I think you would need an air chisel to get it to move. I have fashioned a boot out of an old inner tube and cable tied it on until the tool and new boot arrive. The boot I made actually works very well!

[brodfather11]

Its good to see someone using a bit of make do and ingenuity , making something that you need instead of going to a shop and buying it. Your boot may even outlast the new ready made one.

[Col]

Mr MOT tester might not agree Brodfather LOL

[JohnM]

I managed to undo the inner track end with the tool in the previous link, but I have since bought one similar to this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Inner-Tie-Rod-...Swqu9VEqGv you have to remove the outer ball joint to use it, but you have to remove the ball joint to replace the small rubber boot over the inner joint.

[geoff]

Don't forget to get the tracking done ASAP after completing your work, sucking eggs but you never know.

National Tyres will track for £15 if you print off the online 50% off voucher