rack boot torn

[freshley]

I was looking under my 4runner and noticed that my drivers side steering rack boot is ripped. It looks like it's been this way for a while and even passed state inspection. I've noticed a while back that the steering seemed light and vague and kinda notchy right when centered. Is there something that could be wrong with the rack because of these boots? Anyone have a good write-up on replacement? From the way I'm seeing it, I might as well change the inner tie rod ends while I'm at it since they're under the boots.

Thanks!

 

[panzer]

Replacement

You should be able to find drawings and instructions for replacement here in the suspension section:
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/1996/SIL/fsm/repair.html

Good luck, take care.

 

[yukonrider]

Mine was torn once, if any water gets in there the inner TRE's go quick. I would plan to replace the TRE, and probably take a look at your rack guide, bushings, and boots while your at it. I did all mine and now my steering feels much better.

 

[yukonrider]

I guess I didn't answer the question, the boots are easy to replace. you need to pull off the outer TRE from the lower ball joint, then un-screw it from the Inner TRE. If you are careful you can do it without affecting your alignment too much.
Then once you get that off, the boot slides off, and then to get the inner TRE off, you need a big wrench, like a pipe wrench, or I used a small C-clamp in the grooves, and it worked (or you can get the right tool). Once that is off, simply thread on the new one, torque it down, slide the new boot on ( I used pipe clamps on it and they seem to be holding) and re-install everything!

 

[durrell]

Mine is torn wide open as well. I already need to replace the inner and outer TRE's anyway. I want to wait to replace the boot until I can actually replace the TRE's as well.