Like many who have posted on the forum I have just encountered the poor quality boots being peddled these days. Mine were only 13 months old and hadn't even made it out of the restoration workshop let alone their first MoT. They were fitted new when I refurbished the rack and then bolted to the car where it has stood in the dry being worked around. I had put hardboard down under the car to show up any signs of the new gearbox, diff and sump seals leaking (nothing yet) but was surprised when a leak appeared outboard of the chassis rails. I traced it to the steering rack boot which had perished and split. When I touched the opposite side to check it just fell apart in my hand leaving me with EP90 everywhere.
I measured a NOS boot and came up with 38mm rack end, 12mm steering arm end and a boot length of 150mm.
I trawled the internet and the closest I could get was 38mm/12mm/160mm for a Suzuki Baleno 1995 on.
I purchased a pair and am happy to report that they appear to be made of the same thicker material (Nitril?) as used in 'Duraboot' types. They are a perfect fit on both ends albeit a bit tight to work over the steering arm knuckle.
Once fitted I used a pair of long nosed pliers on the small end to stretch it enough to introduce the EP90 container nozzle so I managed to refill the rack without having to load up my oil gun. They come with cable ties.
They won't be suitable for concourse as the profile is slightly different but for an everyday driver they may just prevent the need to treat them as an MoT consumable.
If you want to get a set yourself the supplier has now added the Morris Minor 1098 to their web description so they can be searched for.
The supplier is Jay Gee Hydraulic Services Ltd and the part number is 15916 per single boot. They can be emailed via "info@jaygee.co.uk".
I have no connection with this company. I am merely passing on an alternative source of parts that may prove to last longer than the flimsy rubber ones available from the specialist MM suppliers.
Your choice but at £9.00 plus postage for the pair it's a punt I am willing to test.
