Steering Boot DIY?

[Darkn3ss]

Forgive me if thats not what its called, cuz I have seen it called many things. I am referring to the boot between the steering rack and the tie rod at the front passenger wheel. Not the axle/cv boot the one that connects toward the front of the wheel.

Its been torn for some time, now it seperated completely. I have the boot and the two clips from Subaru but need to know how to go about changing it. I have searched several forums (including NASIOC) and found nothing concrete on how to change one. Pics would definitely help. *If this is a dum-dum Q forgive me* Do I need to pack it with grease when I change it? Did I negelect to buy all the parts I need to change it? Help is definitely appreciated as I am going to need it on jack stands this weekend anyway and It'd be nice to take care of that at the same time.

Thanks.

[JMack]

First things first, do you often work on steering, or will this be your first venture into it?

Second, do you have good hand tools around to use in this?

Now, on to the procedures.

You'll have to remove the wheel (Passengers side I am assuming based on your post). You will need to disconnect the tie rod end. To do this you will need to remove the cotter pin (38) from the castle nut (39) on the top side of the steering knuckle. Then remove the castle nut (39). Keep the Dust Shield (40) and clip (you may need to purchase an additional if the original was damaged refer to item 41). After the Castle nut (39), and dust sheild (40) are removed the Tie Rod end (42)should slip out of the steering knuckle.

Next remove the Tie Rod end plate (58). This is affixed with 2 bolts and nuts (possibly lock washers as well, I am unsure). After this is done, proceed to remove the Tie Rod end (42) CAREFULLY. Do not damage the Tie Rod end (42). This will come off by loosening the check nut [T17] then removing the Tie Rod end (42).

After The Tie Rod end (42) is removed, the clip (43) will be removed using a pair of pliers. After the clip (43) is removed, proceed to remove the band (45) using a standard screwdriver. Then slide the old boot (44)off of the Tie Rod.

BEFORE installing the new boot (44), grease the groove on the Tie Rod. Slide new boot (44) onto the Tie Rod. Install the fitting portions of the boot onto the gear box first and then into the groove on the Tie Rod. Affix the boot using the new small clip (43) on the outboard (wheel) side of the boot (44). Then install the new band (45) ensuring that the screw head is on the underside of the gear box.

Install the Check nut [T17] loosely and the Tie Rod end (42) onto the Tie Rod. The distance from the start of threading on the Tie Rod and the base of the Tie Rod end (42) should be approx. 15 mm. Install the Tie Rod end plate (58).

**The Toe on your vehicle will be out of adjustment and it will need to be corrected to avoid damage to the steering rack and tires.**

Slip the Tie Rod end (42) thru the steering knuckle from the bottom, and install the dustsheild (40) and clip (41). Then install the castle nut (39) and Torque to 19.9 ft/lbs. install new Cotter Pin (38).

The boot install is complete, however you will need to have the Toe re-adjusted.

[Darkn3ss]

The most I have worked on anything steering related is removing brakes calipers and adjusting the camber plates lol.

I have plenty of hand tools and as you described it, I think I could do it, the toe issue is my only concern. Can't afford new tires right now. I am waiting on a set of replacement coil-overs to get here and they're going to be installed professionally with an alignment afterwards; is it a better idea just to have them do that at the same time? I would like to save myself some money but as far as I know screwing with toe isn't a good idea if you don't know what your doing.

What do you think? Should I wait about 4 weeks to have it done at the same time? By the way thanks for your help.