Steering gear boots — replacement
Note: This procedure applies only to models with rack-and-pinion steering.
1. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheels.
2. Remove the tie-rod ends from the tie- rods (see Tie-rod ends — removal and installation).
3. Remove the tie-rod end locknuts.
4. Remove the outer boot clamps with a pair of pliers, then cut off the inner boot camps and discard them (see illustration).
20.4 The outer clamp (A) on the steering gear boot can be squeezed and removed with a pair of pliers; the inner clamp (B) must be cut off
5. Mark the location of the breather tube (if used) in relation to the rack assembly, then remove the boots and the tube. Apply some grease to the exposed ends of the toothed rack before installing new boots.
6. Install a new clamp on the inner end of the boot.
7. Apply multi-purpose grease to the groove on the tie-rod (where the outer end of the boot will ride) and the mounting grooves on the steering gear (where the inner boot end will be clamped).
8. Line up the breather tube with the marks made during removal (if applicable) and slide the new boot onto the steering gear housing.
9. Make sure the boot isn’t twisted, then tighten the new inner clamp.
10. Install the outer clamps and tie-rod end locknuts.
11. Install the tie-rod ends (see Tie-rod ends — removal and installation).
12. Have the front-end alignment checked and, if necessary, adjusted.