OEM 2008 Chevrolet Colorado Rack and Pinion Boot

2008 Chevrolet Colorado Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the rack and pinion boot and breather tube on 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?

  A: Use keystone clamp pliers (J 22610) to pull off the outer tie rod during the first step of Rack And Pinion boot and breather tube off-vehicle replacement. Begin by taking away the hexagon jam nut from inner tie rod assembly and extract the Tie Rod End clamp from the Rack And Pinion boot. Cutters should remove boot clamp from the Rack And Pinion boot for disposal. Take note of the breather tube's position on the gear assembly before removing the Rack And Pinion boot. Check the inside of the tie rod and look for both rust and any contaminants after taking off the boot. Proceed with the repair when no damage is detected; otherwise replace the steering gear. Both the Rack And Pinion boot and the breather tube will need removal for this step. Install a boot clamp onto the Rack And Pinion boot followed by grease application to both the inner tie rod assembly and Rack And Pinion gear assembly. Finish by placing the Rack And Pinion boot on the inner tie rod assembly. Set the breather tube in position at the location you marked earlier then at the molded nipple on the Rack And Pinion boot. The Rack And Pinion boot must lie flat and smooth. Check the positioning one last time prior to securing the boot clamp installation. Seat the Rack And Pinion boot in the gear assembly groove then use keystone clamp pliers (J 22610) to install and crimp the boot clamp. Position the pliers so they clamp onto the Rack And Pinion boot before you insert the Tie Rod End clamp onto the Rack And Pinion boot and finally install the hexagon jam nut on the inner tie rod assembly.