1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo steering boot won't go back on

moses3 · Post by **moses3** » 24 Apr 2023, 16:24

This is embarrassing but I can't get the boot on, I tried some grease and no luck. I'm using the old original boot that I removed from the car.

Post by **jreed** » 25 Apr 2023, 05:45

Could you upload a photo of the boot? Did you change tie rods? If so, is the old one the same diameter as the new one?

Post by **abscate** » 25 Apr 2023, 06:38

There are boots on the tie rods and also a bout on the steering coupler.

moses3 · Post by **moses3** » 25 Apr 2023, 08:56

jreed wrote: ↑25 Apr 2023, 05:45 Could you upload a photo of the boot? Did you change tie rods? If so, is the old one the same diameter as the new one?

I changed 1 tie rod so far, I'm simply trying to put the same boot I took off, back on, I'm wondering if it's old and no longer malleable?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 25 Apr 2023, 09:17

Soak the boot a while in hot water to expand and soften the boot.
volvolugnut

moses3 · Post by **moses3** » 26 Apr 2023, 10:01

volvolugnut wrote: ↑25 Apr 2023, 09:17 Soak the boot a while in hot water to expand and soften the boot.
volvolugnut

Sorry for the stupid question, do I then install it wet? Isn't water bad for the steering rack? Or do I dry it out first?

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2023, 10:14

You can shake out the majority and dab quickly with a cloth, but time is important as you won't get the advantage of softening. You may have to experiment a couple of times.

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2023, 10:27

Another option is to dry it with a hair drier set on hot to keep it warm. I was going to suggest a heat gun but that may too aggressive.

Neil.

moses3 · Post by **moses3** » 26 Apr 2023, 12:35

I soaked it in hot water for about an hour and I'm glad I did. The hot water refreshed the entire boot, it's much more malleable.

The hair dryer really helped, just a few seconds and the end of the boot got hot, expanded, and easily slipped on.

There are some lines above the boot, maybe fuel lines? The metal clip from these lines is rubbing against the boot and damaging it.

I managed to turn the sharp piece of the clip away from the boot, but I would like to add something to prevent future damage, maybe pull the lines away slightly from the boot?

I've attached photos