Can I get away with just replacing the boots on my rack/pinion?

[Maleficio]

I don't want to replace the entire assembly, just the boots. One is torn, the other side has fluid in it. The car won't pass the safety inspection because of it.

Is it a monster job to replace the boots?

[MPDano]

I need to know this one too.

[Landseer]

Can be done with rack installed. Need to pop the tierod ends off the hub. No alignment needed.

Clean the tierod ends real well to remove dirt / sand. You don't want sand carried into the boots

Cut the old boots away. Rinse/clean shafts. Slip the new ones on. Use some silicon grease to help.

Dwayne documented this in one of his treatises.

[MPDano]

Originally Posted by Landseer

Can be done with rack installed. Need to pop the tierod ends off the hub. No alignment needed.

Clean the tierod ends real well to remove dirt / sand. You don't want sand carried into the boots

Cut the old boots away. Rinse/clean shafts. Slip the new ones on. Use some silicon grease to help.

Dwayne documented this in one of his treatises.

Ok, this is interesting news. How does one pop a tierod end off? What kind of tools needed?

[Maleficio]

Thanks, Chris.

[Landseer]

I use a fork tool and a small sledge. I lube it first with silicon grease to hopefully not tear the rod end boots.

Stan can probably tell us the right tool to use, some sort of press.

[stepson]

There is a much greater chance of damaging the boot with a fork tool. Use a tool like this:Universal Tie Rod End Remover | Mechanics Tools Warehouse

The hardest part is sliding the inner part of the boot on the tie rod.

[Pete R]

The boots will get you through inspection but won't solve the fluid issue. You have a bad seal. If you plan on addressing it you will want a rebuilt rack, I'd do the boots then. It may even come with new boots.