Hydraulic Power Steering Gear Boot, Removing And Installing: Removing
If the boot is faulty, moisture and dirt will penetrate into steering gear. There must be a noticeable grease film present on steering rack in area of splines. If grease film is not present, steering gear must be replaced. Steering gear must also be replaced if there is corrosion or steering gear is damaged or worn out.
-- Place the vehicle on a hoist.
-- Remove the wheel.
-- Turn steering wheel into straight ahead position.
-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
-- Clean the power steering gear and subframe in the boot area.
- While doing this, no dirt must enter the steering gear through the faulty bellows.
-- Remove the nut -1- from the tie rod end joint pin -2- until it is flush with the joint pin threads. Counterhold if necessary when loosening.
To protect thread, screw nut on pin a few turns.
-- Press off the tie rod end from the wheel bearing housing using the Puller - Ball Joint T40010A and then remove the nut.
Make sure that both puller lever arms are parallel to each other when using greatest force, adjust if necessary.
-- Mark the position of the nut -2- on the tie rod -1- for installation later.
-- Counterhold the tie rod end -3- and loosen the nut -2-.
-- Open the spring clamp -3- with the Hose Clip Pliers VAG1921 and remove it.
-- Remove the clamp -1- and remove the boot -2- from the power steering gear.
-- Remove the tie rod end -3- and nut -2- from the tie rod -1-.
-- Pull off the boot with spring clamp from tie rod.
If corrosion, damage, wear-out or first signs of soiling on steering rack can be seen, complete steering gear must be replaced.
If no grease film is visible on steering rack, steering gear must also be replaced completely.