Steering gear boots torn - replace or live with it?

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Filipp Stepanov - 20 Oct 2006 04:50 GMT

'96 Altima GXE, 100k miles, auto

While replacing the sway bar bushings I noticed that both steering gear
boots are ripped quite badly. I don't know how long it's been like this,
since my mother-in-law bought the car used about 5k miles ago. Should I
replace the boots now, or is it too late, or should I just wait? What's the
eventual outcome, if the boots are not replaced? New rack, I assume? The
replacement seems fairly easy, except for the inner clamps. I can't see how
to get to them. I hope the rack does not have to come out for this, right?

Thanks is advance,

Fil

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AS - 20 Oct 2006 05:01 GMT

Replace them, Not having them in good condition will shorten the life of
the rack and pinion seals.

Loosen the locking nut of adjustment of the tie-end rods, and measure
the number of turns and fraction of turns until fully in from the actual
position (not out). Use a paint marker to make the counting easier.
Then unscrew them to be able to replace the boot. Not sure about the
inner clamps in your vehicle.

Good luck

> '96 Altima GXE, 100k miles, auto
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Fil

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Filipp Stepanov - 01 Nov 2006 06:06 GMT

Just got the new boots from the dealer, they come with both inner and outer
clamps. The inner clamp is different from the outer one, you just need to
push on it and should catch. I'll probably put it on this coming weekend.
Thanks!

> Replace them, Not having them in good condition will shorten the life of
> the rack and pinion seals.
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>>
>> Fil

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