7 replies to this topic

[Abzero]

Hi,

  Trying to get new steering rack gaiters fitted (in situ), but just can't get the big end over, this is on the drivers side which looks tougher than the passenger side. 

 

I believe i've got the right gaitors; the ones that came off are 6" long, but the same size on each side, the replacements are 7" long, and have about the same diameter (I assume older ones stretched in use.)

 

The ones which came off had "Patent Pending" 34003439 on them.

Is there's any tricks to this? should I just pre-stretch them as best I can?

[cal844]

Try softening the end of the gaiter with some hot water just to try and make it more pliable

[Abzero]

Thanks i'll try that. I measured the diameter, the "new" ones are ~40mm, but the old ones are ~45mm. Which goes someway to explaining the difficult fit.

[cal844]

You can cut them shorter on the Big end if needed but I wouldn't go crazy with it.

I have had to do this on various CV gators to get them to fit over the years

Obviously cutting is the last option you want to take

Edited by cal844, 07 December 2020 - 04:19 PM.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

You can use a hair dryer to get some heat on the gaiter. Just be sure not to get it all shat up - wife wouldn't be too happy !!

[InnoCooperExport]

You can use a hair dryer to get some heat on the gaiter. Just be sure not to get it all shat up - wife wouldn't be too happy !!

 

That's why I bought a cheap one to leave in the workshop 

[AndrewT]

I've just had to do this and encountered similar problems. The easiest way i found was to get the front over the lip then slowly rotate the gaiter around the spindle and working the new front bit over the lip each time. Bad description but it's a bit like running a tyre lever round a rim to get a tyre on or off. Hopefully that makes sense.

[Abzero]

Thanks all. Got them on today, PITA, but basically used AndrewT method. Glad to have completed that particular job.