Hey,
mini just failed MOT due to split steering rack gaiters. Got till the end of the month to fix it before free retest expires.
Got the new gaiters but not keen on having the steering realigned so was wondering whether anybody has ever glued the gaiters on, I figure with glues being pretty decent these days it would be fine.
Anybody know what rubber the gaiters are made of? what glue would be best? and do the gaiters need to be lubricated? If so, grease or oil?
Thanks,
Olly
Steering Rack Gaiters
Started by
Bock
, Jan 05 2011 08:47 PM
2 replies to this topic
#2
mini13
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Up Into Fourth
Posted 05 January 2011 - 09:02 PM
remove the track rod but leave the lock nut where it was, cover the nut with gaffa tape, you'll then be able to slide the new gaitor over the nut with a bit of effort and some lubrication.
#3
Brigbeale
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Mini Mad
- Local Club: Bournemouth Mini Club
Posted 05 January 2011 - 09:09 PM
Personally, I hate the 'split' type of gaiters.
They require an absolute grease free environmment to fix properly, and even if you do manage to get them glued together, they are almost impossible to fit into position as the rubber needs to be stretched over the rack and track rod (steering arm) and the joint can come apart again.
Also, they don't last long before you will be doing the job again.
Buy the standard slide on type.
Remove each track rod end by counting the amount of turns to remove it (slowly) and note at which point it actually comes of the steering arm.
You will need to remove the locknut the same way. Try not to let the steering arm rotate (I usually mark the top with a dab of white correction fluid to make sure)
Remove the remnants of the old gaiter, clean any grit/dirt that has found it's way in and slide the new gaiter on.
Refit the locknut and track rod end by reversing the removal and the steering set up should be somewhere near where it was before removal.
Secure the inner and outer ends of the gaiter with the clips provided.
They require an absolute grease free environmment to fix properly, and even if you do manage to get them glued together, they are almost impossible to fit into position as the rubber needs to be stretched over the rack and track rod (steering arm) and the joint can come apart again.
Also, they don't last long before you will be doing the job again.
Buy the standard slide on type.
Remove each track rod end by counting the amount of turns to remove it (slowly) and note at which point it actually comes of the steering arm.
You will need to remove the locknut the same way. Try not to let the steering arm rotate (I usually mark the top with a dab of white correction fluid to make sure)
Remove the remnants of the old gaiter, clean any grit/dirt that has found it's way in and slide the new gaiter on.
Refit the locknut and track rod end by reversing the removal and the steering set up should be somewhere near where it was before removal.
Secure the inner and outer ends of the gaiter with the clips provided.
Edited by Brigbeale, 05 January 2011 - 09:12 PM.
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