12 replies to this topic

[bob540]

My 94 Mayfair failed it's NCT (Irish MOT) on torn steering rack gaiters. Can I safely just replace the gaiters or should I replace the entire rack?

[MiniMadRacer]

You can replace just the gaiters, but check for play in the rack, and the track rod ends also, to make sure the rack hasnt worn and the track rod ends are serviceable for re use.

[Cooperman]

If it has failed only on the rack gaoters, then the rack and track rod ends should be ok.
It can be difficult to get the new gaiters over the rack end. Youjust need patience.
Don't forget to put sufficient oil in the rack.

[bob540]

Thanks for the info lads!

[expat_cat]

You can get gaiters that are very flexible, and come with a "funnel" to put over the track rod end to stretch the narrow part.  However, I just gave in and took the track rod ends off, checking as best I could where the locknut was and re-tracked it afterwards.

 

At the rack end, fold the end of the gaiter back on itself (like putting on socks), and then it will pop over the rack.

 

Note your rack may be filled with grease, not oil, so no need to refill unless a lot of dirt has got in.  Mine is a '93, and it had grease not oil.

[AlasdairM]

Hi, I have a 1992 Cooper, do you know if I need the 4.5" or 7.5" long gaiters? 

[Spider]

Hi, I have a 1992 Cooper, do you know if I need the 4.5" or 7.5" long gaiters? 

 

If it has the original Rack, 4.5"

[cal844]

These are easy to change, but be sure to mark where the track rod end locknut sits on the threads. I'd also put the rack to full length on both sides so you can load some fresh grease into the workings just to be safe.


Remember to get the alignment checked just incase it changed

[Cooperman]

It might be me, but the current new gaiters are a real pain to fit over the rack ends.
I struggled for over half an hour one one side, finally gave up and found some good used ones off of an old spare rack.

[Spider]

The Gaiters I've been using for a long while - mostly - come from a local supplier and I * think * they are locally made, there's no branding or markings on them and are in a plain clear plastic bag with some cable ties (that I never use). They almost feel quite rubber-like. I've not had issues with them not lasting (10 years +) and are very fairly priced. They are a snug fit on the rack body and a fiddle for sure to fit when the racks on the car (there's not a lot of room there in the right places). I have smeared the big end of the odd one with some lube to help slip them on, but usually with some coloured words, they play the game.

 

A while back, I did buy some from Mini Spares, they came in a Unipart Box, they appeared almost similar to those that I have been using, just a tad shorter. I found these quite OK actually, but it appears from the experience of others the Unipart ones aren't the same now ?

[AlasdairM]

thanks a lot guys. And will I just use the plastic clips that come with the gaiter? ( I presume these aren't cable ties!)

[Spider]

thanks a lot guys. And will I just use the plastic clips that come with the gaiter? ( I presume these aren't cable ties!)

 

If they are the ones I'm think of, they will be cable ties.

Cable ties work OK if you only have grease in the Rack, but if you have Oil, the gaiters won't seal well enough on the rack body to keep the Oil from leaking.

There is a type of Tie that does work though, they call the 'Flatties'. An ordinary Cable Tie, the loose end goes through the head of the tie at 90 degrees, so when pulled up tight, no matter how tight, right under the head, there's no pressure and if you do pull them up quite tight, the gaiter actually puckers up at that point.

The Flattie Ties, have the loose end go through the end of head, so when tighten up, there's pressure all round and so they will get the gaiter to seal.

[AlasdairM]

thanks that's great Moke.