Torn boot on steering shaft

[Jen45kc]

I've been trying to read other post on this topic, and haven't really seen much on this subject. I realized my 'boot' on the steering shaft is torn. I have a 99 Ford Ranger. Can I replace the boot, or do I need to replace the whole 'shaft?' Friend of mine came by tonight, and thought the boot could be replaced. I'm really hoping this is all that needs to be done, but with my luck lately, I'm not feeling to good about this. LOL

Thanks for your help.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Does the steering feel loose?

If it has not been torn for a long time, It can be replaced. If its been like that a while and contaminants have gotten in and caused premature wear however, it will need to be replaced.


Welcome to the forum!

 

[Jen45kc]

Thank you for the reply, and the warm welcome. I already love this site, and have it set for my home page. The last time I was under the hood was about a week - week and a half ago, and I didnt notice the torn boot. As far as the steerling, it doesnt feel loose at all. The bad thing is that I have to drive the rest of the week to work. Do you think a couple more days of driving will cause alot of contaminants?
Thanks again for the reply.

Does the steering feel loose?

If it has not been torn for a long time, It can be replaced. If its been like that a while and contaminants have gotten in and caused premature wear however, it will need to be replaced.


Welcome to the forum!

 

[phatcap]

i had the exact same problem

go to rockauto.com under the steering section and get the moog rack and pinion bellow kit. it's only like 12-14 bucks. it comes with crappy zip ties to hold it on though. i got some new clamps like the ones that were on it originally. no more leaks!

 

[Jen45kc]

Thank you very much phatcap. When I went to a Ford company in town and asked them about the 'boot' they said that my truck doesn't have one.
This should be very helpful. Thanks again and sorry it took so long for me to get back to you with a reply.

 

[phatcap]

no problem. glad to help. i had a tough time finding it too until a co-worker told me to look on rockauto.com. checked it out and they had one. i was getting sick of topping off the power steering fluid every few days.

 

[thegoat4]

Thank you for the reply, and the warm welcome. I already love this site, and have it set for my home page. The last time I was under the hood was about a week - week and a half ago, and I didnt notice the torn boot. As far as the steerling, it doesnt feel loose at all. The bad thing is that I have to drive the rest of the week to work. Do you think a couple more days of driving will cause alot of contaminants?
Thanks again for the reply.

Mine has been torn for months. Driven daily, even through water, no looseness yet. Driving on it for another week won't hurt yours at all.