Looking for a Shortcut on the Steering Rack Boots

[patrickt]

Does anyone know of a magic shortcut for replacing the boots on a Flaming River rack without having to disconnect the ends?

[Grubby]

Have them lubed with grease and warm and they slip right over. I have done two ERAs the same way.

John

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Grubby

... and warm and they slip right over.

Thanks. Flaming River should make a boot with a zipper.

[Grubby]

Yes - the boots crack much quicker than OE.

John

[1985 CCX]

Try local auto parts store that sells repair CV boots.
Think they do rack units too?

[patrickt]

Considering how many people have to change out their bellows boots on the FR steering rack, and that it's basically a PITA to pop out both outer tie rods, then unscrew them, try and remember to count the turns because you don't want to have to align the front end, then with the funky custom inner tie rods on ERAs they look like they won't fit through the boot hole anyway, then someone tips you to use a heat gun, then you gotta put it all back together, but you lost one of the cotter pins for one of the castle nuts, then you check your toe-in and you know you miscounted the turns, so you have to realign your toe-in, and all of this could be eliminated if someone would just invent a separable bellows boot that just snapped around it all.

[1795]

I hear you Patrick, I think that severe factors come into play with things like this. One being that the designer of an automobile component doesn't always see the big picture and are just focused on their small piece. Another factor could be the need to be competitive in cost and a more practical part while being easier for the consumer to repair when needed, increases the cost and reduces the number of units sold. Still there is always the possibility that the manufactures are in cahoots with repair shops and they get to charge more for a more complicated repair. Then of course there is the likelihood that they are just out to get us!

I seem to recall someone once slicing the boot lengthwise, slipping it over, and then gluing the boot back together and banding it in place with the joint upwards. Probably not the best method, but it worked for them.

Jim

[KarlzEE Bebout]

When I replaced my bellows, I was SO glad to have my lift. It was really a Bi**h with the car up in the air, I don't know that I would have accomplished it flat on my back. A heat gun, some wiener schlicken, and perseverance (moaning and groaning). Sure hoping I never need to do that again.

[Grubby]

I have seen a decrease in quality of auto parts that are not OE type. Because what is your choice? You don’t have the clout of an OEM to force them to do better.

OE rack boots last pretty much life of the car. Ford, GM and others would drop them as a supplier if they didn’t.

Shame on FR for selling low quality boots.

Building 838 last spring was eye opening. The number of faulty new parts was shocking. ERA stood behind parts that their suppliers won’t.

John

[cobragene]

Patrickt, check these out. Flexx Boot FB4000K Universal Rack and Pinion Boot Kit - Specially Formulated Extra Heavy Duty Rubber Compound https://a.co/d/7z4McLM

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by cobragene

Patrickt, check these out. Flexx Boot FB4000K Universal Rack and Pinion Boot Kit - Specially Formulated Extra Heavy Duty Rubber Compound https://a.co/d/7z4McLM

That's not a bad idea, and it's about sixty bucks cheaper than the Flaming River screwing.

[strictlypersonl]

I've purchased 3 brands: Flexx Boot, Speedi-boot and Doorman 614-020. Dimensionally, they're almost identical but the Flexx brand is made of heavier material and has a fitting for a vent/balance tube. The other two are basically the same piece, made of lighter material.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

I've purchased 3 brands: Flexx Boot, Speedi-boot and Doorman 614-020. Dimensionally, they're almost identical but the Flexx brand is made of heavier material and has a fitting for a vent/balance tube. The other two are basically the same piece, made of lighter material.

Thanks, I've seen the vent tube in the docs -- does it actually do anything or is it just something else for me to forget to deal with? And I thought since I would have the outer tie rods out anyway that I might as well just replace them. BUT, Moog has discontinued the ES425RL. Do you have any preference as to a replacement?

[strictlypersonl]

The Subaru racks that we used many years ago had a balance tube between the left and right bellows. It was probably because each side was sealed from the center section. I don't know whether the Flaming River gear is similarly sealed.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

I don't know whether the Flaming River gear is similarly sealed.

FR relies on cracks in the bellows themselves to establish atmospheric equilibrium.