Steering Rack Gaiter replacement

Sootywg

Sootywg

A2OC Donor
United-Kingdom
There are very few references on the forum to replacing the gaiters on the steering rack. The only thread I could find was the question ‘can it be done in situ’, to which @A2Steve said yes but be aware that the gaiters are handed.
I have not been able to confirm that the two sides are different or how difficult it is to remove the inboard clips.
My offside gaiter has been severely abraded when the control arm broke and needs replacing whilst I await delivery of the suspension parts.
Anyone with experience doing this that can advise would be welcomed.

Thanks Geoff
 
Hello,

6Q0 423 831 on both sides

Remove the track rod end to fit.
20240218_144610.jpg

Near side
20240218_144701.jpg

Off side

20240218_144424.jpg

Near side
20240218_144401.jpg

Off side

Good luck!
:)👍
 
I'll take the front wheels of my car later today and can take some better picture of what's going on when I say remove track rod end to fit.
 
Thanks for confirming my expectation on the symmetry.
It looks like access to the inner clip is best from directly under the vehicle rather than from the side.
From your pic it looks as though a cable tie is used rather than the metal clip is that because it is hard to access the clip?
I am operating from axel stands so a bit tight for access. At least I know it should be possible.

Don’t worry about photos re the track rod. I am OK with that. It is getting to the inboard clips that trouble me. Your photos are very clear, it looks as if you are viewing from above. Is this so? I can’t really see access from above.
The best pic I can get of mine from underneath is this.
 

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Hello,
I ran out of time, I'm still working on the rear axle.
Hope you managed OK with the boots.

The zip tie was from the previous owner.

😀👍
 
If you drop the subframe isn't the rack right there in front of you? It has been a while since I dropped my subframe but I seem to remember the rack was just hanging there giving full access.
 
It's one of those jobs (the gaiters) where if you invest time in the removal, (or lowering in this case) of parts the access is improved and more straightforwards.

Does the subframe need alignment if it's moved?
 
rotifer said:
It's one of those jobs (the gaiters) where if you invest time in the removal, (or lowering in this case) of parts the access is improved and more straightforwards.

Does the subframe need alignment if it's moved?
Click to expand...
Because I have succeeded in removing my broken lower suspension arm without having to drop the console my access to the steering gaiter is very restricted. Having read your thread ‘open to the floor’ I am thinking that the photos you posted above might have been taken with the engine out?
I have removed the arch liner hoping it might help. Not a lot of improvement. I eventually located the clip on the inner end of the gaiter (on the underside flush against the subframe) and easily undid it with a screwdriver. There is no way I am going to be able to affix a new clip this location. I can see why a previous owner of your car used cable ties.

By the way in your pictures, above, (#2) the lower suspension arms look very rusty, given the experience of many others I would say they are close to end of life and could give way at any time under braking.
 
Hello,

You're right about the pictures I took, they could be a bit misleading regards to availability of space to work.

When they were taken the engine was in the car but the air intake manifold and a few other parts were not fitted. It did make it look like there was plenty room to do the job, I'm sorry if this was misleading, it was not supposed to be.

Yes the project car wishbones are looking tired.
I will be inspecting those in the next couple of days. Thankfully there is a lot of info on here to which wishbones to get.
:) 👍
 
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- Subframe Pins - ​

Please search Google for the Vw tool T10096 for this job (cheap enough to buy online)

The online workshop manual describes the set up of the pins to locate the subframe.
Having never used these pins I can't provide information on their fitment.

Please note the online manual is full of pop up adverts.:confused:

Link to A2oc post below on....
Front subframe removal/replacement

As always,... good luck!
:)👍
 
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