Split boots for MOT: N/S inner rack and O/S ball joint

[Mankee]

Hello all. I'm just preparing my car for the annual test and have noticed a couple of split rubbers that need sorting.

First, the inner rack gaitor on the near-side is split into two pieces. It failed the MOT last year on this, amongst other thiings, just before I bought the van. Miraculously, it passed a few days later after being repaired, although the rack gaitor doesn't look like it's been touched.

But anyway, I need to change item 15 in the photo. Has anyone done this before who can provide any tips? The power steering ram is attached to the arm so it looks like I need to at least disconnect it so that I can slide the new gaitor over, although I can't really see how it can clear the stud sticking out, unless it's a normal bolt and can drop out of the other side. Do I have to remove the tie rod as well?

Second, my own fault, I split the ball joint boot on one of the lower arms when I was taking the driveshaft out. Can I get a new ball joint separately for this sort of arm, as it doesn't look lilke I can from the parts catalogue. Or is it a whole new lower arm? Or can I get just a replacement boot?

Thanks in advance for any help. Much appreciated!

[jj9]

I think t's just a case of manipulating the rack boot (item 15) over the stud that the power steering ram connects to, warm the boot up in hot water first.
You will have to remove the track rod end so take a measurement of some sort so you get it back in the same position.

The lower arm ball joint is part of the arm so you can't replace it separately, but you can buy replacement ball joint gaiters, take the measurements of yours then take a look on ebay.  


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