You can change the steering rack boot without removing the tire rod end
from the steering knuckle. First you need to mark the position of the
adjustment threads. Then count exactly how many threads are showing.
Raise that wheel off the ground. Then you can unscrew the end from the
rod, change the boot, and then thread the end back onto the rod. Be
careful not to twist the new boot as you screw the pieces back together.
Since you need to turn the rod part the boot will want to twist with it.
If you get the adjustment back exactly where it was you won't need to
get an alignment since nothing will have changed. In addition to first
counting the threads you can measure the length of threads showing for
additional confidence in the final position.

Mark

Jeff Oxroad wrote:
>
> Is there a way to replace a torn tie rod boot--the boot on the steering gear
> around the tie rod--without removing the tie rod or the tie rod end?
>
> I rememember years ago seeing a CV joint rubber boot for a beetle that was
> split length-wise and clipped over the CV joint to allow replacement of the boot
> without removing the entire CV joint. How well this repair boot worked I
> don't know.
>
> If there is not this simple repair, what is the process? The tie rod end need
> to be pressed out of the steering knuckle, then unscrew the tie rod from the
> steering gear, swap in a new boot and reassemble--then get alignment adjusted?
>
> I suppose if I have to go that far, I might as well replace the tie rod ends
> while I'm in there?
>
> Any info appreciated.
> Thanks
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA,CA