1995 850 T5 Torn steering rack boots

[2012]

Hello,
How long can I drive this thing around with torn rack boots? I'm in SO Cal where it doesn't rain and its never off the pavement. Will it be fine for at least until the next oil change? They look cheap enough to throw them in but I don't wan to end up with a ruined rack.

[hausmeister]

I can't say... but maybe you can tape/zip tie some trash bags or plastic with enough slack over the boots as a short term fix.

[E Showell]

Duct tape?

[mecheng]

I used rtv sealant on my torn steering boot, 1 year later and it is holding up well. It doesn't flex much like a cv boot so the rtv works. Once the tie rod fails then I'll replace the boot

I squirted into the boot some grease before I sealed it.

Btw: I'm referring to the inner tie rod, not sure if your referring to the same boot. The joint is easily replaceable. Not sure how it seals the rack, I guess there is a seal behind the joint?

[erikv11]

On the steering rack they are dust boots. They don't seal any grease in or out, it is dry in there unless the rack is leaking. Duct tape or plastic or RTV or similar, those are all good ideas and would do just fine until you can get to it.

[2012]

On the steering rack they are dust boots. They don't seal any grease in or out, it is dry in there unless the rack is leaking. Duct tape or plastic or RTV or similar, those are all good ideas and would do just fine until you can get to it.

So if I use some plastic or something else it doesn't run the risk of getting caught up on the tie rod or getting drawn into the rack?

[erikv11]

Yeah, I guess there is some chance of that if there is a mess of loose plastic, but probably not if you are careful. The only place where it would be an issue is way toward the inside, where the inner end of the boot attaches, that is where there are moving parts that go into the rack mechanism. I think I would try a small piece of something like heavy gauge plastic sheeting, like they sell at Home Depot to put under your house. Make a cylinder and duct tape it on good at the inside and outside, maybe even a zip tie at each end.

To replace the boot you will have to remove the outer tie rod, and then get an alignment, which is not cheap. So you may want to replace the tie rods at this time and be done with it, if they are getting old and you intend to hang onto the car for a while longer.

[mecheng]

On the steering rack they are dust boots. They don't seal any grease in or out, it is dry in there unless the rack is leaking. Duct tape or plastic or RTV or similar, those are all good ideas and would do just fine until you can get to it.

The inner tie rod is a greased ball joint is it not? Or is it just lightly lubricated so the boot basically just keeps dust away.

[erikv11]

You are right it is a metal ball joint. I have never lubed an inner tie rod and they come dry, maybe there is a light lube. Surely wouldn't hurt to put some grease in there as you did.