REPLACING TRACK ROD ENDS & STEERING RACK GAITERS
Perhaps the most common repairs that are required on the steering system are the easiest. Steering rack gaiters protect the steering rod’s inner balljoint and the rack-and-pinion from premature wear, caused by water and road grit entering the sealed assembly and the protective grease leaking out.
The condition of the gaiters, the smaller rubber boot fitted to the track rod end and the track rod end’s balljoint condition are common MOT failure items. With care, you can replace both parts at home, without having professional wheel alignment, presuming that the tracking was correct before work began. 1 This torn steering gaiter allows moisture to corrode the rack, while the introduction of grit exacerbates wear within the pinion. 2 Create a reference point so that the track rod end locking nut can be replaced in exactly the same position. Allow time for the paint to dry. 3 Hold the steering rod with mole grips to stop it from turning and rotate the track rod end locking nut a single turn along the thread. Remove the securing nut and use a balljoint splitter to separate the joint.
4 As you unscrew the track rod end, count and record how many complete revolutions it takes to remove it from the steering rod.
5 Undo the steering rack gaiter’s retaining clips from either end and pull it off the rack and over the steering rod. Alternatively, you can cut the clips away with a sharp knife.
6 Clean the mechanism, including the inner balljoint and the rack bar’s teeth (arrowed), of any dirt and pack them with highmelting-point grease.
7 Fit a new steering rack gaiter, locate it in place and secure it with the clips that should be provided in the gaiter kit. Ensure the rubber is not strained under full-lock.
8 Refit the track rod, counting the number of turns made, ensuring as you tighten it that the painted reference marks align on both the nut and steering shaft (see inset).
9 Relocate the track rod end into the front hub and tighten the securing nut to the recommended torque. Refit the road wheel and lower the car to the ground.