2003 1.9TDi power steering rack gaiter / bellows replacement

[big bad al]

Hi pls can anyone advise on the doing this job? I have a split steering rack gaiter on the near side, with a small amount of fluid in that I gues should not be there.  How easy is it to change the gaiter?  I can see the I need to remove the track rod. Can anyone advise on how to do that please>

Thanks in advance.

[Mirez]

Its screwed into the rack. I think you need to split the track rod end from the lower suspension - you then remove the old gaiter you should see where its attached there are two flats for a spanner, because the other end is now free it should unscrew from the rack.

Please take photo's if possible, we can do a how-to for future users then. Thanks!

[big bad al]

thanks for the reply Mirez. I initially tried to do that  (undid the large nut on the ball joint first!) and applied quite a bit of effort to split the ball joint and it wouldn't budge. Hence I was wondering if that is the first stage in the process or if other bits need loosening first?  I'll have to put some easing oil on and leave overnight. If I get lucky splitting the joint, I will take pics etc.

thanks

[Chrispb]

If the track rod end cannot be unscrewed from the tie rod it may need heating up with a powerful blow lamp or oxy-acetylene torch but try soaking overnight with penetrating oil, also if your reusing the track rod end you will need to count the turns you unscrew the track rod to avoid having to have the tracking checked/adjusted after refitting.

A small amount of fluid inside the bellows is not a problem at the moment but could be a sign that you may have problems in the future

[big bad al]

thanks for the info gents. Got to reassemble my motorbike brakes this weekend and if I have time will get on to the galaxy - no free time for me this weekend!

Will update when done.

[pabinlove]

Can I ask seeing that ur talking About steering racks. Is there a ball joint that can be changed on the inside of the Gater or does the rack have to be changed?

[insanitybeard]

If you mean the inner tie rod within the gaiter- then yes, this is available separately to the rack- see this parts diagram. item no. 15 or 16 depending on which side you need as (at least if you buy it from Ford) it comes complete with the outer track rod end.

[pabinlove]

Sorry didn't know the name😚 have had the outer track rod end replaced as there is some play in the wheel when you move the wheel as if your turning it. If the inner tie rod is worn would that cause the knocking noise and the extra movement? And thank you fantastic diagram.

[insanitybeard]

If the ball joint of the inner tie rod is worn then yes it could cause play in the system. I think it's also possible to have internal play within the rack itself which isn't necessarily an MOT failure, though this would need to be confirmed by an MOT tester.