Front rack rubber boot instal.

[kepperly]

Is there an easy way to get the new rubber boots back on the steering rack after a turbo tie rod install ??

Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

[R_Builder]

Here is how I do it (assuming the steering rack is installed in the car):

1. Remove the old tierods leaving inner boot springs in place
2. Verify new turbo tierods can be screwed into the rack without bottoming out. If they bottom out, use the spacers/thick washers
3. Remove the turbo tierods after fitcheck from step 2
4. Remove the tierod ends from the new turbo tierod assemblies
5. Pass the turbo tierod boot over the rod and get the small end seated on that rubber ring that is on the rod
6. Slide the boot/rubber ring outboard to where the threads for the tierod ends start
7. Install the tierod end back on the rod and snug it in place with the jam nut
8. Install the turbo tierod assemblies into the steering rack and torque to 35 ft-lbs with a drop of blue loctite
9. Push the boot/rubber ring inboard until the rubber ring seats back in its intented position
10. Push the big end of the turbo tierod boot onto the steering rack (kinda tough job)
11. Get your long screwdrivers out and curse your way thru getting those darn boot springs in place over the boot and into the groove on the rack!

Hope that helps...

[kepperly]

Just finished the turbo tie rod install. Piss on the spring that holds the rubber boots on, just cut them off with a pair of side cutters. Install the new rubber boot with the rod ends removed. Wrap a strong piece of twine around the tie rod next to where the rubber slips over the the rack. This is easier if you tie a nut to the end and have a small part magnet to pull it over the rack. Make several wraps around the the rack, making sure they all are on the tapered end side of the rack. Now take a small high force spring clamp ( wood glue up clamp from harbor freight ) and push the boot as far toward the center as possible and clamp it there. Now pull the string/ twine toward the end side center line of the car. You will have to make several unlaping pulls to get the end on the snout of the rack. While doing this if you get the boot started, take a good pair ( Klein ) needle nose pliers and clamp onto a rib and pull it onto the seating area or groove on the rack
Once you are happy it IS seated in the racks grove take a high strenght nylon tie a cinch it down and cut off excess.

Out side is similar with a smaller nylon tie

[kepperly]

Wayne,
I spent over 5 hours the first time trying get the boots on in a 105 degree garage,
This is the way to go and should be include with the kit you sold me. Any thoughts on my /email about the shifter cup?? I would be happy to send you a sample for your personal evaluation.

Keith Epperly
87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

[jwasbury]

I say pull the entire rack and do the job on the bench, rather than upside down under the car.

I was doing this same job yesterday as part of a complete front suspension refresh. I couldn't get the old tie rods off, so I dropped the whole rack. The tie rod and boot replacement was fairly easy with the rack removed. As I was working the new boots on, I was thinking that it would incredibly frustrating to do it under the car.