Sounds like some aftermarket numbers (Dorman, Royze, Moog, etc.,) I'm
unaware of.

Rack boots are the same on both Power and Non-Power Steering Racks and
should not have changed size even when rebuilt.

Airhead Parts carries original, genuine VW Rack Boots, 251-419-831 A, made
in Germany.  The manufacturer's number, WFJ 024257/2 along with the VW
Number is embossed on one end of the boot.  Airhead has plenty of boots in
stock.

http://www.airheadparts.com/viewDetail.asp?strMasterCat=&idproduct=5635
--
Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
oldvolkshome@gmail.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
*Have a Happy & SAFE Holiday*
**********************************
On 12/21/06, Paul Guzyk <paullist@guzyk.com> wrote:
>
> 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?
>