Steering rack boot

[froggy]

Hi, about to replace the Steering Rack boot on my S2 Xantia. My nearest Motor Factor supplies a universal one, that is supplied with cable ties ! is it possible to source metal clips , similar to the ones already on the car? cheers Terry.

[CitroJim]

The originals had hard plastic sleeves moulded into the rubber part of the gaiter to secure it on the end of the rack body Terry and these were not reusable...

So, it's unlikely anything metal will be available...

All the aftermarket kits I've fitted have been supplied with cable ties and these have been adequate in my experience...

There's not much room to fiddle around with clips but one thought is to see if you can procure a universal CV joint strapping kit that will contain metal banding and clips... The only problem is that the band needs to be fairly narrow and the strapping in such a kit may be a bit wide for use on the rack gaiters and space limitations may made it hard to get it really tight, depending on the clipping method and the tool(s) needed to be used to get the strapping tight...

Which side are you doing? The RH side is the easier of the two. The LH side will need the steering ram to be removed and this is another very tight fit with some very tight Torx bolts and very limited room. Then you have the problem of getting the new gaiter over the projecting ram mount. The gaiter needs to be very flexible and needing a hold for the mount to pass through...

Then check the gaiters stay put on full lock both ways...

Given the lack of space and if you are doing both gaiters you may choose to remove the rack completely... It's a little easier than it looks and makes the whole job easier, especially if doing the ram side.

[froggy]

Thanks again Jim for all your help. It is the RH side. Really enjoying your column in the Citroen Owners club Magazine,
Terry.

[CitroJim]

Really enjoying your column in the Citroen Owners club Magazine,

Thank you Terry Good to know I have at least one reader!

[CitroJim]

Just whilst I think of it Terry... Give the steering column universal joint a good lube whilst you're down there