Help required with nsf steering gaiter please.

[Sierra Charlie]

Been a while since I last posted but now the better weather has arrived I have managed to carry out some overdue repairs and maintenance to my van.

Have replaced the rumbling osr wheel bearing.

Have replaced the osf steering rack gaiter and fitted a new track rod end in the process.

I need to fit a steeering rack gaiter to the nsf but I am slightly bemused at a large sized piece of metalwork complete with large nut on top obstructing the process. I purchased a pair of universal gaiters ( see photo ) but I am struggling to work out how I go about fitting the nsf gaiter. I have attached a view of the worn gaiter from the wheelarch side and from underneath to give you an idea of what I am trying to explain.

Anyone got any tips or advice on how to proceed with fitting the new gaiter

   

   

   

[cancunia]

I think the metal sheet is a heat shield, the large bit of metal with the nut looks like it may be the power steering ram. I'm not sure how that comes off, hopefully someone else has done that job.

[SinsBird]

I've done this job a week ago and believe me, it sucked! If you can afford it, let someone else replace it for you.

First of all, you need a different gaiter than in the photo, that's for the other side. Make sure it's rubber, not plastic. Original gaiters are plastic and the new one in the photo is rubber. Plastic gaiters last longer while rubber ones don't really fit properly but to put the plastic one on you'd have to disassemble the steering rack.

Here's a short guide:
1. Unbolt both sides of the power steering ram cylinder and lift it off of that stud that's sticking out.
2. Remove gaiter clamps.
3. Cut off the gaiter.
4. Slide back the tie rod rubber and undo the tie rod with a pipe wrench or whatever by holding it at the ball joint.
5. Take the new rack gaiter and grease it up inside well.
6. Heat it up, I used a space heater to make it rather hot but not too hot so you can hold it with your hand.
7. QUICKLY carry it over and slide it on that stud, like the whole length of it. Then firmly grab the side of the narrow end with your finger(s) and stretch it over, that's the hardest part. You'll figure out the rest.
8. Use strong clamps to keep it in place, I used screw type hose clamps.

Again, think thrice before getting into this!

[Sierra Charlie]

I think the metal sheet is a heat shield, the large bit of metal with the nut looks like it may be the power steering ram. I'm not sure how that comes off, hopefully someone else has done that job.

Thanks very much for your reply.

I've done this job a week ago and believe me, it sucked! If you can afford it, let someone else replace it for you.

First of all, you need a different gaiter than in the photo, that's for the other side. Make sure it's rubber, not plastic. Original gaiters are plastic and the new one in the photo is rubber. Plastic gaiters last longer while rubber ones don't really fit properly but to put the plastic one on you'd have to disassemble the steering rack.

Here's a short guide:
1. Unbolt both sides of the power steering ram cylinder and lift it off of that stud that's sticking out.
2. Remove gaiter clamps.
3. Cut off the gaiter.
4. Slide back the tie rod rubber and undo the tie rod with a pipe wrench or whatever by holding it at the ball joint.
5. Take the new rack gaiter and grease it up inside well.
6. Heat it up, I used a space heater to make it rather hot but not too hot so you can hold it with your hand.
7. QUICKLY carry it over and slide it on that stud, like the whole length of it. Then firmly grab the side of the narrow end with your finger(s) and stretch it over, that's the hardest part. You'll figure out the rest.
8. Use strong clamps to keep it in place, I used screw type hose clamps.

Again, think thrice before getting into this!

Many thanks for the reply and the short guide, much appreciated. One follow up question though please. When you unbolt the ram cylinder can you leave the hydraulic pipes attached? seems they can be quite delicate by all accounts after reading some articles since placing my original post.

Thank you ;-)

[SinsBird]

No need to touch the pipes, I lifted the ram just enough to take it off the stud and put a piece of wood to keep it out of the way if I remember correctly.

[Sierra Charlie]

Ok thanks for the confirmation.

I purchased the gaiters as a universal pair, so I will need to order a dedicated replacement for the nsf. Where did you purchase you gaiter from?

[SinsBird]

I bought it from a local store.

[Sierra Charlie]

OK thanks

[cancunia]

You should be able to find the correct part numbers on http://catcar.info/citroen/?lang=en

[oilyrag]

You should be able to find the correct part numbers on http://catcar.info/citroen/?lang=en

Might be worth taping over the end of the stud to stop the threads eating the gaiter as it passes over? A hot air stripper might help once its nearly in place.