steering gaitor

[bootlid]

I found my n/side steering gaitor burst and releasing all that hypoid everywhere,i have ordered a new gaitor but how do you fit a new one,,?,does the trackrod end have to be taken off or unscrewed at one end?,also does one use oil or grease to refill the new gaitor,i have a small standard wanner greasegun,would this have to be refilled with hypoid and how much oil to apply to grase nipple on the floor.

[mike.perry]

You will have to remove the track rod end. Unlock the lock nut on the steering rack, it may take some force, then wind it back so that it is touching the TRE. Remove the TRE from the steering arm, you will need a ball joint splitter, and then unscrew the TRE from the rack. Remove the lock nut, counting the turns so you know where to refit it. Try not to get oil or grease on the taper of the TRE or it will just twist when you try to replace it in the steering arm. Use cable ties to secure the ends of the rack gaiter and if you want originality then fit jubilee clips and cut off the cable ties. The inner end is a bxxxer to get at. Remember the MM rack has smaller diameter arms than the 1098 Minor. Replace the lock nut to its original position and screw te TRE up to it and pinch it tight.
Some say oil and some say grease in the steering rack.

[bootlid]

Thanks mike,i will attempt this but may be a job to add to the many now awaiting professional help.

[DaisyMayFozz]

I Put grease in- thats what it says in the handbook. do not put anymore than 12 squirts in.

[bootlid]

well,job has now been done,my brother turned up on sat.and offered his help,tre came off with one blow of a hammer,tricky to get gaiter over lip but managed and sealed with plastic tie,been suggested 20 strokes with small "wanner gun"with grease,somebody else 12 strokes.

[james.ed]

Bringing an old thread back to life but I've got to try this tomorrow without a ball joint splitter! How does the hammer trick work?

[mike.perry]

You can try the camel and bricks method. Smack the joint with two hammers, either side simultaniously. Or spend some hard earned cash on a decent splitter, you are going to need it again

[kennatt]

the two hammers works fine,the main problem being people are frightened to hit it,you must hit it as hard as you can ,you will not smash anything .it jolts the taper back out of mesh. Just make sure you hit the metal and miss the rubber boot,that will obviously not like a calibration tap with a 5lb hammer, The best way it to hold a large hammer,I use an old sledge hammer head,up against one side of the joint and hit the other with a large hammer,dosent need to be massive just enough to jolt it out.Hit it repeatedly untill you see the joint pop out. Good luck