How to replace steering rack boots?

[S4evr]

Both of my steering rack boots were damaged, which caused my inner tie rods to fail prematurely. I just pulled out the tie rods and old steering rack boots, but these new boots are a PITA to get in!!

Right now the inner tie rod is bolted to the steering rack, and I cannot get the boot to seat over the steering rack. Any tips or suggestions?!

[infinkc]

http://www.audiforums.com/forum/diy-...cement-173196/

its a PITA to get it out.

[S4evr]

Had to get creative on this one... Placed the boot over a work lamp shade and heated the boot with my heat gun. I was able to expand the boot a significant amount and it slide right onto the steering rack at that point.

[infinkc]

funnel mod, i like it

[kbS42001]

correct me if im wrong but there is a possibility of two diff boot sizes...if you have both off make sure you have the right boot?....just a thought.

just got done the full CA kit with tie rods and it was a PITA. i thought it was harder to get the inside zip tie seated/snug than it was to pull over the boot... the orig. one time use clamp is nearly impossible w/o some crazy specialized long ass clamp crimping pliers.

[kbS42001]

edit* ^ boot size info addessed in the DIY

[S4evr]

the driver side boot should be shorter, and have a smaller diameter (made sure of this).

Instead of zip ties on the boots, I found the Zebra brand worm drive hose clamps to fit perfectly in the groove made for the one time use clamps. Very easy to tighten them down with a 1/4 socket and ratchet.