The rack and pinion boot seals protect the assembly's internals from dirt and water and should be checked periodically for holes, cracking, and other damage or deterioration; damaged boots should be replaced immediately to prevent expensive damage to the rack and pinion assembly. Begin by removing the outer
Tie Rod End, then take off the jam nut from the inner tie rod. Use pliers to spread the outer boot clamp and remove it from the inner tie rod. Untwist the wire inner boot clamp and slide it off the boot and onto the rack and pinion housing. Next, remove the boot seal from the inner tie rod and the vehicle. Install the new seal boot so the large end is over the rack and pinion housing lip, then place the wire inner boot clamp over the large end of the boot and tighten it by twisting with pliers. Finally, install the outer boot clamp over the small end of the boot, followed by the jam nut and tie rod end.