Steering Rack Gaiter

[Jon280]

Just had the wedge in for an MOT, and its failed

The main failure (other than the rear fog light bulb) is one of the steering rack gaiters is split.

Mine has the 'Supra/TVR' power steering rack fitted, does the gaiter need to be anything special, or will a universal type on from the local factors or ebay ( http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Steering-Rack-... ) do the job?

[Wedg1e]

What I've always found with the universal ones is that they're too long: the rack travel then makes them turn inside-out which causes them to split. That said, mine's the Ford/Camgears rack so you may not have the same issue.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Jon..What Ian said...When i used the universal ones they were too long for mine also..(Cortina rack)..And they did split, Which wouldnt of been too but if the rack wasnt leaking fluid into them as i found out when i tried pushing them back a little!...Again they might be ok for yours...Cheers...Ziga

[Jon280]

Cool. Will take mine off and give them a measure and see what the local places can come up with, or see how the ebay ones compare.

[adam quantrill]

Last time mine failed was on a split gaiter, which I repeaired , took it back "you haven't done it", "yes I did", he points out the other side with the bigger split! He said "oh the other side, I didn't call that a split, not big enough".

Long story short we dug one out of a big box of assorted ones and I fitted it there and then.... we'll see if it survived the year soon!

[Jon280]

I'm planning on doing both while I'm at it.

Made a start this afternoon. Simple job thinks I, undo one bolt, disconnect track rod end thing from the wheel, mark it so I can put it back in alignment, then remove the end from the bar and switch the gaiter... Could I get the track rod end disconnected for the hub? No.... Does the rest of it look like its going to be a pain to get apart all to change a part that's only a few quid... Yes! Will either try again with a bigger hammer or give in and get the garage to do it, which will really annoy me

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate..Once you have marked it count the full revolutions of the track rod end it takes to remove it..You will need to get the geo done after..Ziga

[Jack Valiant]

Jon, undo track rod nut enough so it covers the end of the threads. Spray liberally with wd40 have cup of tea!

With ball pane hammer hit it down onto the unscrewed nut a few times then switch to the side of the joint itself, and repeat. It will need a few good cracks and it will come off fella, remember its probably been on there 20 years! Do not hit the rack shaft directly!

Enjoy!

Chris