Bloody Steering Gaiters!!!

[johnna]

I replaced the drivers side for MOT last week. I bought a passenger side too. Before the test I had a huge leak from the passenger side. When I checked, it had just slipped off the bung, so I fitted a new clip.
Passed the MOT and I noticed a familiar graunchy sound...

I've been underneath and the driver's side is holed AGAIN! The track rod end balljoint is a pig to loosen/ tighten, so it's a new tr end the morra as well as the gaiter.
There is a ridge on the front subframe (crossmember) which seems to be the offending item which punctures the gaiter.
The problem is that the cabby is lowered, so is it possible to lower the PAS rack also?
I've seen two bolts at the front... can I replace these with longer high tensile items with shims placed between the PAS rack and the points it mounts too? This should give me the essential 2 or 3mm I need... but are there other mounting bolts which would screw up the jobby?

[Chris-W]

There're only those two bolts, so it's worth a go.

Did you say you fitted a new boot becuase fluid was leaking out of a split?

[johnna]

yes. Yes I did! Seals gone too???? I'm about to cry...

[Chris-W]

If it's leaking out the gaiter, the rack's a gonner....

Gaiter's should be dry.

Sorry.

[johnna]

[Brianmoooore]

Leaking fluid will also wash the grease out of the inner track rod joints and wear that as well!
Fluid build up in the gaiter can also cause it to be forced off when it compresses on full lock, and possibly make it blow up like a balloon, which may be why it's being damaged by something.
As far as I remember, sitting here, there should be anything anywhere near the rack gaiters for them to catch on.