[Mgs] Torn gaiter

[Andrew B. Lundgren]

Thanks for the feedback.  One thing I did notice is my gaiter (the torn 
one) is dry inside.   (At least nothing is oozing out on the floor from 
the torn one.)  That concerned me.  I haven't poked at the other one 
yet.  What wears out in there?  (The oil should have been lubing 
something right?)

I have owned the car since '96 and never had anything leaking out of the 
gaiters. What do I need to inspect to make sure something isn't worn out 
from running dry?

I will take your advise on the tie rod ends.  I remember one of those 
broken on a one of my father's trucks...  It was exciting.

Also, please notice the updated gator spelling...  :)

--
Andrew

On 09/04/2012 09:50 AM, mgbob at juno.com wrote:
>    Opinion seems to be unanimous that replacing gaiters is the thing 
> to do. I would have recommended the same.
>    The tie rod ball joints have to come off to do the job. I the 
> joints are not perfect, now is a time to replace them also.
>    Here's how I do the job, rather more frequently than I would like 
> as today's rubber just does not seem to last all that long.
>    Remove tie-rod end from the wheel arm. Some use a fork (ok if you 
> are replacing the tie-rod end), some a puller, and some use two large 
> hammers.
>    Back off the lock nut one flat, then mark it or tape it to hold it 
> there.  Unscrew the tie-rod end and count the turns as you do so.  If 
> you re-use it, you will have the turns counted to help you put it back 
> on, and the lock nut to confirm its position. If you are using new 
> ones, at least you should be near where the alignment adjustments belong.
>    Cut off the old gaiter, Catch the gooey oil in a pan, each side.  
> Wipe it all clean, and if you have any reason to suspect grit has got 
> in there, spray it clean with WD40 or paint thinner or kero.
>   Install the new boots. Use the clamp or tie-wrap on large end, 
> leaving small end loose.
>   Specified oil is 1/3 pint of 90w gear oil. I use a syringe to squirt 
> it in the small ends of the gaiters.
>   Screw on the tie-rod ends and bring back the locknut from its parked 
> position.
>   Check the alignment. If it's ok, tighten the clamps on the small 
> ends and go driving.
> Bob
>
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: "Andrew B. Lundgren" <lundgren at byu.net>
> To: mgs at autox.team.net
> Subject: [Mgs] Torn gator
> Date: Mon, 03 Sep 2012 10:41:23 -0600
>
> I haven't done anything with the rack and pinion on my car.  I found
> that one of the gators has torn open.  (old and rotten)   I don't know
> much about these so I started looking in my manual and online and found
> the entire replacement racks.
>
> At 40 years on the car, is this something I should consider rather than
> just replacing the gators?  I don't put a lot of miles on the car, the
> odometer shows about 75k on it and that is probably correct within 10k
> miles.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --
> Andrew
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