jeb525i

I have an 87 5000S Quattro with a torn steering rack boot. I am really dreading the replacement of this thing. I have heard it not the most fun job in the world.
I have been losing some of the 'green gold' onto the garage floor, but I don't know if it is actually the rack leaking or not. I was looking it over last night and the hose clamp at the bottom of the reservoir was loose, possibly causing the leak. I tightened that and haven't noticed anymore leaking... yet.
But either way, I still need to do something with the boot. It not just torn, it is completely broken away from where it should be attached on the passenger side.
Do you think there is some kind of "split boot" replacement available? Any ideas or experiences?

Thanks

Cully
87 5kcsq
87 5ksq

Aldo

The boot usually tears because it's been weakened by fluid leakage from the inside. If you had a non leaking rack, and you slid back the boot, it should be pretty dry. The leak may have been the hose you tightened, that's good if so, but if it's leaking in the vicinity of the tear, that's not good....

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

SteveAngry

If it's leaking from the rack/boot you'll probably have to replace the rack. No sense taking the rack off just to replace the boot when the rack would still leak...

If you do find that the leak was not caused by the rack then you can replace with a split boot I'd imagine. You'll have to find a boot kit that is the appropriate size. Hopefully there is one...?

Last option, replace the boot by removing the rack end...

Steve
Michigan