[Steering & Suspension] Dust Cover / Bellows for Steering Ram

[cancunia]

Does anyone know if the clear plastic dust cover that goes over the power steering ram is an MOT inspection item? Mine has disintegrated and only half is left over the ram and not a lot on the shaft. I've covered the shaft with some clear plastic and held it in place with a cable tie over the body of the ram. Looking on the parts list, I can't see that item at all so wonder if it only comes with a new ram, if so it seems a bit expensive for what is not a lot more than a plastic bag.

[geoff]

A defective steering rack gaiter is an MOT fail .... plenty of replacement examples to view / buy on Ebay

[cancunia]

A defective steering rack gaiter is an MOT fail  .... plenty of replacement examples to view / buy on Ebay

It's not actually one of the rack gaiters, both of those are intact. There is / was  some kind of clear plastic cover over the steering ram itself. It's not really a bellows shaped gaiter from what I can tell, more like a long clear plastic tube to protect the hydraulic ram from dust.  It's held onto the ram by 2 clips from the exhaust heatshield and onto the end of the ram by hooking over the end of the ram.

Update:
I called my local Citroen dealer, apparently the ram does not come with a dust cover / seal any more, the parts list also does not show a cover. If anyone knows different please chip in.

[geoff]

Happy days then as it won't affect the MOT ............................

[cancunia]

As you say, hopefully not a problem with the MOT so good news there. There's still the exposure to dust, grit, salt & water etc that I'd ideally like to prevent. Strange thing is that I couldn't see any steering rams with covers anywhere so maybe it's a non issue or maybe I just need to find a generic part to cover it.

[leftfootleashed]

Do you mean this (attached)?

I thought it was a bit odd when I noticed it.

(Note the split steering rack gaitor next to it  :-( )

[cancunia]

Yes that's it.

[leftfootleashed]

I can't tell you any more about it unfortunately. Sounds like from your research that Citoren have decided it's no longer necessary.

[cancunia]

I'll put in for an MOT week after next and see what they say about it. I couldn't see any steering rams at all being sold with a cover so guess it's a non issue.

[jamesg]

My 306 has passed it's MOT for years with the steering ram cover totally split.

I'll do something like this next time I've got it jacked up...

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