Steering rack boots

[Yurick]

Has anyone had any experience in replacing the steering rack boots without disturbing the alignment in an E30, 1990 325iC? If so, please share your technique or knowledge.

Thank you.

[bostogrun]

There are some "zipper boots" that I have seen at Auto Stores that wrap around the tie rod ends.

Short of that it pretty hard because ypu have to seperate the inner tie rod from the outer. I will be a real chore to get the outer tie rod ends off. I did once and will never do it again.

[Yurick]

I replaced the original boots about 6 years ago, while I was replacing all of the front-end suspension parts and it was a no brainer. The boots I installed at the time were made by "Febi", and apparently cannot hold up, as they are 6 years and only 15000 miles on them.

I suppose that if I could get a tool to remove the tie rod end without destroying the rubber boot on it, I would be able to slide the new steering rack boot over the open end.

[andyshoun]

You should be able to push the outer ball joint off with a gear puller. If you don't have the right one the guys at the autoparts store will "sell" you a tool you can return for a full refund.

[Yurick]

Got the boot replaced last night. Rented a tie rod puller from Pep Boys, pushed out the tie rod end in a few minutes, and the rest went nice and smoothly.