10 replies to this topic

[Anchoright]

hey my steering rack boots are shredded and have been that way for a while, maybe a couple months. I know when a CV Joint’s boot is cracked it’s better to replace the whole CV Joint. I’m wondering if it’s necessary to replace the whole steering rack or is replacing the boots enough? I haven’t noticed anything wrong with the steering.

[Steam]

You can asses the condition after you remove them, they should be fine though.

Edited by Steam, 18 October 2023 - 05:50 AM.

[stuart bowes]

I'd be more interested in checking the inner tie rod ball joint. I.e disconnect the steering end and drop the arm. Does it fall immediately and then can you just wobble it about easily if so it's shot. And as far as I can tell unless someone provides a link, that part is very hard to find and replacement racks are cheap enough (aside from the work required to get it out and back in of course)

If the arms are still stiff and take effort to move / hold themselves in position, stick new boots on and carry on

 

and obviously because you've had to take the track rod ends off, asses them for possible replacement

Edited by stuart bowes, 18 October 2023 - 08:15 AM.

[PoolGuy]

Are Nitrol boots available for the Mini? They’re well worth the slightly higher cost as they last.

[mab01uk]

Somerford sell Japanese Valtain Mini parts including:-

 

VALTAIN HIGH QUALITY STEERING RACK GAITERS

https://www.somerfor...ers-5-long-pair

 

but currently out of stock.

 

(Type 'valtain' in the search box)
https://www.somerfor...eywords=valtain

Edited by mab01uk, 18 October 2023 - 10:39 PM.

[ac427]

Somerford sell Japanese Valtain Mini parts including:-

 

VALTAIN HIGH QUALITY STEERING RACK GAITERS

https://www.somerfor...ers-5-long-pair

 

but currently out of stock.

 

(Type 'valtain' in the search box)
https://www.somerfor...eywords=valtain

 

https://classicminis...ing-rack-boots/

 

I wonder if these are the same?

[68+86auto]

 

Somerford sell Japanese Valtain Mini parts including:-

 

VALTAIN HIGH QUALITY STEERING RACK GAITERS

https://www.somerfor...ers-5-long-pair

 

but currently out of stock.

 

(Type 'valtain' in the search box)
https://www.somerfor...eywords=valtain

 

https://classicminis...ing-rack-boots/

 

I wonder if these are the same?

 

They will be (well most likely).

 

Valtain is the brand of the JMSA (Japan mini specialist association) and is where most of the classicminisjapan.com parts come from.

[ac427]

Somerford sell Japanese Valtain Mini parts including:-
 
VALTAIN HIGH QUALITY STEERING RACK GAITERS
https://www.somerfor...ers-5-long-pair
 
but currently out of stock.
 
(Type 'valtain' in the search box)
https://www.somerfor...eywords=valtain

 
https://classicminis...ing-rack-boots/
 
I wonder if these are the same?

They will be (well most likely).
 
Valtain is the brand of the JMSA (Japan mini specialist association) and is where most of the classicminisjapan.com parts come from.

Thanks, Are there other JMSA members that might sell Mini parts, particularly the ball joints that don't require shimming?

[Cooperman]

I have found that the steering rack gaiters currently available are made from very hard rubber and fitting them is not easy with the rack in-situ. I don't know whether the ones listed above are any better. Last time I gave up and fitted a good one from an old rack which I had.

[Anchoright]

Thanks everyone for the help! You guys are great! 

[68+86auto]

 

 

 

Somerford sell Japanese Valtain Mini parts including:-
 
VALTAIN HIGH QUALITY STEERING RACK GAITERS
https://www.somerfor...ers-5-long-pair
 
but currently out of stock.
 
(Type 'valtain' in the search box)
https://www.somerfor...eywords=valtain

 
https://classicminis...ing-rack-boots/
 
I wonder if these are the same?

They will be (well most likely).
 
Valtain is the brand of the JMSA (Japan mini specialist association) and is where most of the classicminisjapan.com parts come from.

Thanks, Are there other JMSA members that might sell Mini parts, particularly the ball joints that don't require shimming?

 

 

If you go on the JMSA website there is a list of suppliers however they are all in Japan so you need to find one which wants to deal with foreign orders.