Xantia Steering Rack Gaiter

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 27 Feb 2009, 19:32

Right, Xantia failed its MOT today on various brake items and the steering rack gaiter, the nearside

The brakes look fairly simple, what is troubling me is the rack gaiter....

Could anyone be as kind as to post up a quick rough guide onto how to change the nearside rack gaiter? I have looked and GSF a kit for about £5 + VAT, I assume this includes both sides - is it worth doing the offside too? Is it likely the kit comes with all the clips I would need? I'm aware of the ram spigot but are there any other pitfalls to this job? Any tips?

Much appreciated if anyone could help

Thanks

steelcityuk · Post by **steelcityuk** » 27 Feb 2009, 22:35

I did the one on my 405 without removing the rack. However it was a complete pig because of the spigot. I bought replacements made by Bailcast, these are very flexible. I unbolted the steering ram at both ends to allow it to move out of the way. Then I fitted a piece of rubber hose on the spigot and cut flush with the end of it so it wouldn't damage the gaiter internally. I greased up the inside of the gaiter and the track rod and spigot then worked the gaiter over the spigot with a large spoon - bowl part on spigot and the handle providing a ramp from the track rod, greased the spoon too.

Official way is to remove the rack I believe, which in Haynes terminology is 'take the car to the dealer and be prepared to be fleeced'.

Hope that helps.

Steve.

jonathan_dyane · Post by **jonathan_dyane** » 27 Feb 2009, 23:14

steelcityuk wrote:I did the one on my 405 without removing the rack. However it was a complete pig because of the spigot. I bought replacements made by Bailcast, these are very flexible. I unbolted the steering ram at both ends to allow it to move out of the way. Then I fitted a piece of rubber hose on the spigot and cut flush with the end of it so it wouldn't damage the gaiter internally. I greased up the inside of the gaiter and the track rod and spigot then worked the gaiter over the spigot with a large spoon - bowl part on spigot and the handle providing a ramp from the track rod, greased the spoon too.

Official way is to remove the rack I believe, which in Haynes terminology is 'take the car to the dealer and be prepared to be fleeced'.

Hope that helps.

Steve.

Nice work. I particularly enjoyed the innovative use of the spoon; were you able to smuggle it back into the kitchen without being captured, and if so was its misuse betrayed by an 'interesting' tasting dessert?

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 28 Feb 2009, 10:38

the other point to whatch is the gaitor has very slight diferance in diamiter apatures at either end, if you after strugling to get it on find the end you have forced over the spigot is the larger end, you might have trouble making it stay put on the rack body, as i did on my daughters BX, also dont buy the thermo plastic gaitor as it dont stretch at all and it would need the rack fully disasembled to fit this type

the clip on the rack end is usualy a reusable wire one

regards malcolm

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 01 Mar 2009, 15:24

I think what I'm going to do is to remove the rack and dismantle it off the car. At least then it also gives me a chance to study it, which I always like doing

I am aware I will need a new UJ pinch bolt and track rod bolts. Are there any seals that will need renewal?

As I say a rough walkthrough of the job would be helpful

Going to attempt it tomorrow hopefully

Thanks

steelcityuk · Post by **steelcityuk** » 01 Mar 2009, 23:35

Well the spoon was missing in action for quite some time...

Steve.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 02 Mar 2009, 13:58

I phoned up a Citroen specialist today. I got quoted £49 + VAT to do the gaiter. Does this seem a fair price?

I am just not in the frame of mind at the moment to do anything major on the car. I am having one of those months and if I'm honest, I can't be bothered at the moment. Hence phoning the garage. At this point in time, removing the steering rack is just a job too far for me.

I am going to have to do the brake hoses and brakes though. Money is very tight though so I'm going to be left with no money a good 2 weeks before March payday at the moment but then I guess most people are in the same boat.

Pleiades · Post by **Pleiades** » 02 Mar 2009, 14:33

Toby,

Speaking as someone who has fitted quite a few of these and on the "orrible" side as yours is, I would say that £49. is a bargain and not worth getting your hands dirty.

By the time the car is jacked up, wheel removed, track rod arm removed, a lot of sweating and swearing to get the gaiter on, put all the bits back together, well it's the best part of a couple of hours gone and in a garage thats well worth you paying £49 for.

Regards
Martin.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 02 Mar 2009, 14:38

Thanks Martin, truth is it would take a lot longer than 2 hrs knowing me.

Will get it booked in.

Is it advised to have the tracking looked at on completion? I only ask as I had it done a couple of days ago

Pleiades · Post by **Pleiades** » 02 Mar 2009, 17:00

Hi Toby.

In a DIY application, carefull making or measuring should be ok and put everything back to the original marks, this should leave it as good (or bad) as it was when you started.

But.

Any garage doing any work where the steering is upset at all should check and re-set (if needed) the tracking at the end of the job.

I would just pop them the hint "this does include a tracking check afterwards dosent it" As a statement rather than a question. the reply will most likely be "yes of course it does sir"

Regards
Martin.