Steering column u/j gaiter replacement question

duggers · Post by **duggers** » Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:30 am

Doing a refresh of my bottom end (ooh err missus!) I noticed that the gaiter/boot that covers the steering column u/j that goes from the bulkhead down to the steering rack is original , 28years old, and has split slightly.
I have tried the self amalgamating tape bodge but it is not really a success.
Has any one replaced this item and if so am i right in assuming the easiest route is to drop the steering rack from its mounts to allow the u/j to separate once the pinch bolt is loosened off?

Observations , advice please.

james butler · Post by **james butler** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 12:01 pm

Yup you got it. Drop the rack mounts off so it can slide forwards, this will let you disconnect the U.J connecting to the steering column so you can get the boot off.
It's a bit of a bugger to get to and is easier if you can get the car really high off the ground (securely)
Might be quicker and easier to cut the old one off to get to the bolts easier.

duggers · Post by **duggers** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 5:37 pm

Cheers for that James. The car is up on ramps so think it will be enough space. Don't need to cut the old boot off it will just pull away in bits as it is kinda crispy, ok when its a doughnut not a gaiter!

DT1 · Post by **DT1** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 6:08 pm

Crispy? Do you have the heatshield?

mark1gls · Post by **mark1gls** » Fri Feb 05, 2016 11:32 pm

My heat shield fell off due to rust many years ago and I covered the new rubber boot with a plumbers mat as the old one went crispy.
A couple £ for a mat from ebay.
(Mk1 Golf)

duggers · Post by **duggers** » Sat Feb 06, 2016 9:40 pm

Yes the heat shield is in place the gaiter has just had enough after 28 years!

duggers · Post by **duggers** » Sun Feb 07, 2016 8:11 pm

Bullhooks, spoke too soon the heat shield fell to bits on removal and is now departed this mortal coil......
Fitted the new gaiter and had a fight with the steering rack to get it back in place. there is now blood on the exhaust and my exhaust C-clip tool has broken. So the exhaust manifold and downpipe are currently not talking to each other but I think it'll blow over.
Other than that a spectacular success :)

james butler · Post by **james butler** » Mon Feb 08, 2016 5:16 am

you can use a exhaust clamp to spread the clips
https://www.google.com/search?q=vw+exha ... 8iiZcNM%3A

duggers · Post by **duggers** » Mon Feb 08, 2016 8:28 pm

Yeah did that before but the proper tool was gifted to me. I've managed to adapt it so it works again.

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Steering column u/j gaiter replacement question

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