Reftiitting Xantia strut boots

[davewithington]

Ok, chaps, is there a quick and easy way to get my new boots to slip onto my new strut tops?

i've just had a frustrating hoour in the garage, trying to get the top of the boot to slip onto the flange on the strut top.

Any advice?

[CitroJim]

Dave, it's a miserable job

I find the best way is to lubricate the strut top ring and gaiter with a dash of LHM and then push the gaiter up until a part of the groove is caught on the ring.

Then, holding the groove on the ring (so that it doesn't slip off) rotate the gaiter until the whole groove is on the ring. Sort of screw it on if you see what I mean. I find it best to grip a few concertinas down from the top to do the rotation.

Once it is on, ensure the gaiter will rotate very freely on the strut itself at the bottom and check that no amount of movement will dislodge it from the top ring. This is critical to ensure it stays put.

[davewithington]

My new boots are now fitted, and it's like wrestling with a small black corrugated python!

The boots supplied look different to those already fitted, apart from being straight and clean of course. They're longer for one thing, about twice the length. Look good on though.

This thing about rotating freely. The top of the boot is securely held, but the bottom slips round beautifully, so there's no binding when turning the steering from lock to lock, so I can't see them tearing or anything.

[CitroJim]

I believe there are two sizes now as (I think) newer strut tops have a different ring diameter...

Maybe you fought one with a smaller diameter onto a bigger ring Dave..

I love your description Good job they don't bite...

[davewithington]

Whatever the reason, it was a right batard of a job, which I do not want to do again.

Look good though, nice and shiny.