I need to take my car for a roadworthy certificate inspection to renew the rego. I noticed this morning that the driver side steering rack boot is torn.

Is it possible to replace the boot without removing the steering rack? I realise the tie-rod end will need to be undone (have read magna-buff's info posts). Is it very difficult?

regards,
Coldamus

the rack stays in

the hardest part is fitting the inner part of the boot
to the rack

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh59/magnabuff/tierod_801.jpg

you have to get underneath the car

have the steering rack at full lock so the boot isnt expanded

using thin blunt screwdriver

you start streching the boot then twist the boot as you go
around till it slips on to the rack propper

there is a small metal plate held on by 4 bolts on the lower control arm
you can undo for an easier go at the rack

for fixing the boot strap a plastic tie is easier than a metal one

repco sell the universal boots for less than $20
with care you may have to cut the rack end to size

Thanks, Magna Buff, I knew you'd come up with the answer! Much appreciated. Mitsubishi should put you on a commission.

Easy job, bit fiddly getting the ends onto the rack. Soak the boots in hot water, or leave them in the Sun for a while to become more pliable. Lube the inside. Cable ties for both ends should come in the kits.

Count the number of turns needed to get the tie rod ends off so you can put them back in the same place.

Use trolley jack and axle stand on solid ground, might need to take the wheel off for better access.

BUT you need to check the tie rods themselves while the boots are off. There are ball joints where they join the steering box. If the car has high KM and the boot has been split for a long time, they will be damaged. Any slop means they need replacing. Feel free to swear at this stage. $45 each at Repco. If ok work some grease into the ball joints.