I added the loc-tite comment because that lip sometimes gets destroyed when
you loosen the tie rod.  If that's the case, I usually try to tighten the
tie rod a bit more to get to a "clean" spot where I can bend the lock into
the slot.  As for the loc-tite... better safe than sorry.

Cheers,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Ken Wilford
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 3:47 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Power Steering Boots

You don't need loc-tite on the tie rod.  It has a lip on it that you
bend toward a slot the rack (with a chisel or a punch)  after you get it
screwed on.  That lip acts as the locking mechanism.

Just FYI.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Jeffrey Schwaia wrote:

>Larry,
>
>The "correct way" would be to remove the tie rod end, replace the boot,
>reinstall the tie rod end, and get a wheel alignment.
>
>Most people don't want to spend the money for a wheel alignment if they
>don't need one, and I prefer not to mess with the tie rods & alignment, so
I
>remove the tie rod at the rack to replace the boot.  You need to use two
>wrenches to remove the tie rod from the from the rack, one wrench on the
tie
>rod, the other is used on the rack shaft to prevent it from turning in the
>rack housing.  Use a little loc-tite when you reinstall the tie rod and
>tighten it a little past it's previous position (with two wrenches again)
>and tap the lock ring into place.  Use some nice black zip ties on the boot
>ends and viola, you're done.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Jeff
>www.vanagonparts.com
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
>Of AAG - Larry Word
>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 6:08 PM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Power Steering Boots
>
>
>So...what's the correct way for us non-lift homie mechanic to replace these
>PSR boots.  I myself have taken the tie rod off
>carefully, replace the boot, and re-installed same tie rod.  I've driven
>this vehicle safely for over 20K miles.
>
>Doesn't the tie rod shape hold it in place, as well as the nut (which you
>cannot tighten too much as it wants to turn?)>
>
>Help me keep my vehicle safe if you can....
>
>Thanks
>
>Larry
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Jeffrey Schwaia" <jeff@VANAGONPARTS.COM>
>To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 8:14 PM
>Subject: Re: Power Steering Boots - hose clamp attachment
>
>
>
>
>>Wrong.
>>
>>We do this all the time here at the shop when we replace steering rack
>>boots.  Takes a little doing and of course it's much easier when the van
>>
>>
>is
>
>
>>on a lift.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>
>>Jeff
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
>>Of George Goff
>>Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 5:37 AM
>>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>Subject: Re: Power Steering Boots - hose clamp attachment
>>
>>
>>In a message dated 1/26/05 12:30:10 AM, jeff@VANAGONPARTS.COM writes:
>>
>><< Unscrew the tie rod at the steering rack instead of removing the tie
>>
>>
>rod
>
>
>>end.  That way you won't have any issues with the alignment. >>
>>
>>Bad idea if not impossible.  With the rack mounted to the car the tie rod
>>locking notch is on the topside of the rack and it would take some real
>>doing to
>>perish the locking crimp so that the tie rod could be wrung off.  Once the
>>means of locking the tie rod has been lost, the tie rod is useless.  All
>>this is
>>moot, anyway, since the rack has to be off the car and clamped in a bench
>>vise
>>in order to R&R the tie rods.
>>
>>George
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>