In a message dated 10/24/2002 3:16:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> 1) The procedure for removing the tie-rod requires that you first remove the
> steering box.  If you're only replacing a torn boot, is this really
> necessary?

       NO

> 
> 2) The procedure for removing the tie-rod has you first removing the
> balljoint on the tie-rod then removing the tie-rod from the steering rack.
> Again, if all you're doing is replacing a torn bellows, this second step
> doesn't seem necessary.  Correct?

       Correct

> 
> 3) Is it possible to replace the bellows by only separating the tie-rod
> balljoint from the steering knuckle, removing the tie-rod balljoint from 
> the
> tie-rod (tie-rod and steering box still in car) and slipping the bellows 
> off
> and on over this "loose" end?
> 

       Just remove the tie rod ball joint from the steering rack.  The 
bellows can be slipped over the tie rod ball joint without removing the ball 
joint from the tie rod.  Use grease to allow it to slip more easily.  If you 
remove the tie rod from the tie rod end at the wheel you will end up having 
to have a wheel alignment done.

Cheers��

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15, 2003
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club 
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A> �
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com