Nearside Front CV Boot

[B51ngh]

Hi guys,

Failed MOT yesterday as the n/s front CV Boot was ripped! How would I go about replacing it? I've already bought one from gsf but not sure how to fit it!

Thanks,
Bal

[Ziggy]

Erm... is this on an iX?

[B51ngh]

sorry, 318i cab

[Ziggy]

Then it doesn't have a front CV boot!

[B51ngh]

I thought that would be your answer, so at lunch I'll take a photo of what I am talking about to clarify things!!

[Ziggy]

Could be the gaiter on the steering rack? What does it actually say on the failure sheet?

[Chris-W]

Also what does it say on the GSF invoice for the part, seeing as you presumably asked them for a front CV boot?

[dobbie82]

i'd guess the steering rack gaiter too. mine is currently having it changed by a garage as it looks a Pain in the bum to change.

[B51ngh]

Hi guys, got the MOT refusal paper, and it says:

Nearside steering rack gaiter split.

Is it quite a time consuming job? I'd appreciate any help if someone knows the process to change the part...

[smithy318i]

Im pretty sure you can remove the inner section of the control arm from the rack and slide a new gaiter on.

[stonesie]

10-15 minute job,..........

Jack that corner up
Wheel off
Using a good spanner (because it WILL be tight) slacken off the nut on the track rod end
Unscrew the trackrod from the end bit with the balljoint on
Unclip the old boot, big sidecutter's (snip's) might be needed
Pull it off


As they say ''Fitting is the reverse of removal''

When you put it back together try to get the trackrod back into its end the same number of turns as it was, also clean the threads and you could eaven clean the threads on the other side too before takeing it to have the tracking checked, If you take this on yourself then its not a difficult job but you do need to have the tracking re-set properly.

[smithy318i]

How do you get the track rod end off the rest of the trackrod? Mine just spins round.

[siddiqi1]

Stonsie

cant be that easy mate; really is it. you make it sound like bish bosh bash and bobs your uncle!! noooooooo?

is no greasing required stonsie; as in isnt that how all the grease is held in place with the boot?>

[smithy318i]

the boot shouldnt have any grease in it. its only a dust cover to protect the teeth of the rack. If your boot has fluid (PAS fluid) in it, then the seals have gone.

[siddiqi1]

oh ok! well i dont see why its such a major failure point if you see my POV; i think it should be a reccomendation! how is ones car unfit for the road becasue the dust cover is torn!

but that aside; i hope its really that easy; hoping if i need to do it, itll go as smooth as stated!

[B51ngh]

Yeah I thought it was an advisory but he just said no it's a failure...it's not even a big rip, its only come apart at the seam slightly. Not impressed though...

[siddiqi1]

where in west london are you matey?

[B51ngh]

Hounslow West.

[siddiqi1]

ahh right! was in hayes a year ago, now moved!! a lot of e30s in west london; i never saw ne of them mind!!!

[B51ngh]

Yeah there are loads but to be honest about 95% of them are battered and old...it's a shame really. I'm gonna give this steering rack gaiter a go over the weekend. Thanks guys!

[Chris-W]

Easier and quicker to remove the whole track rod from the rack - no need to guess the track rod end position then, or necessitate checking the tracking.

[stonesie]

Ive never taken the track rod out as 1 piece, how does it come out?


I described t'other way as thats the only way ive been shown

[Chris-W]

Screws into the end of the rack - there's a captive washer which obviously needs to be dealt with first.

[stonesie]

Nice mines having the subframe off to do the sump gasket....when i sell this POS ford and can use the drive again, Im a ''may aswell'' type (well while thats off i may aswell change those boots, bushes ect ect )

[B51ngh]

You lost me....