In a message dated 21/12/2006 10:53:10 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

I  ordered a couple of replacement steering rack boots.  The VW  part
number is supposed to be 251419831A.   The boots I received  had the
number BS66057 embossed into the rubber on the rack side of the  boot.

Q1:  Is this the correct boot?

I cannot seem fit the  new boots onto my rack, the rack end of the
boots are way to tight to slip  over the rack.  BTW, the old boot had
number BS88145 embossed into it  and the old ones have a larger
opening.

Q2: Perhaps the rack on my  van has been replaced with a
rebuilt/aftermarket rack (it looks like it  has) and the rebuilt racks
use different (larger) boots?  Has anyone  experienced this problem
before, if so, where did you get the proper  boot?

Paul, sounds to me as if they sent you the wrong  boots.  I have the correct
ones in stock.  From my _Vanagon Items Forsale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/sales.htm)   webpage.  Boot, steering gear, PS & non PS, 4866, 251 419  831A
- $10.00 each.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy, '90 Carat, '87 Wolfsburg  (Forsale) & Lionel Trains
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa  Valley
_Frank Condelli  & Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_ (htt
p://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 07 ~ 10,  2007