constant tension clamps missing on steering rack boots

[The motor guy]

How crucial are these on the steering rack boots? had my inner and outer tie rod ends replaced back in february I think and I see one is next to the boot and on the other side completely missing. Kind of irritated I pay to have this done and this is what happens. Now it's been so long I guess you can't really bring it back to the shop. Guess I'll just put some zip ties on, not sure if you can put those clamps back on without taking the outer tie rod ends off. I don't think so. Always, have to double check peoples work.

 

[zzyzzx]

How crucial are these on the steering rack boots? had my inner and outer tie rod ends replaced back in february I think and I see one is next to the boot and on the other side completely missing. Kind of irritated I pay to have this done and this is what happens. Now it's been so long I guess you can't really bring it back to the shop. Guess I'll just put some zip ties on, not sure if you can put those clamps back on without taking the outer tie rod ends off. I don't think so. Always, have to double check peoples work.

Just use the zip ties (preferably the metal ones).

 

[GSCJR]

Plastic ties will do the trick, or some mechanic's wire. You could also unscrew a worm clamp and slide it through.

 

[The motor guy]

Guess I'll do the zip ties. I'm going to lose my **** if I go back up there and I'll be requesting money to be knocked off the bill. I'd imagine the boot still being there was still sufficient.

 

[The motor guy]

I can't get the zip ties to hold it in place. It's too small a diameter

 

[Nukeman7]

It can't hurt to go back to the shop and complain about the missing clamps. All they can do is to deny that they left them off. If so, you will then know never to do business with them again. Who knows, they may apologize and fix the very simple and inexpensive problem.

I would not trust nylon zip ties when the metal band clamps are what the factory uses. Just ask yourself, when was the last time you saw a new vehicle or aftermarket steering rack sold with zip ties on the steering rack boots? Enough said.

 

[The motor guy]

This reminds me of my boat. Every few years you have to change the drives shaft and exhaust bellows on the outdrive. It's a corregated rubber boot similar to a rack and pinion boot. Well if you get it all back together and don't bother to tighten that stainless clamp that's all the way in there, guess what? Time for try two. You're doing the whole thing over again.

 

[Carmudgeon]

At one point in time, Volvo employed plastic boot clamps on its steering racks, and it wasn't surprising to find them broken and loose.

But, your average zip tie can be almost as indestructible as clamshell packaging, so they could hold up, at least temporarily.

The better option is to go OE-style, and get Oetiker clamps, but one would either need to borrow, or buy the tool to crimp them, if not on hand.

 

[The Critic]

I can't get the zip ties to hold it in place. It's too small a diameter

https://www.amazon.com/𝟭𝟮𝟬𝗣𝗖𝗦-𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀...cphy=9031992&hvtargid=pla-2281435180938&psc=1

I think these can be disassembled.

 

[D60]

https://www.amazon.com/𝟭𝟮𝟬𝗣𝗖𝗦-𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲𝘀...cphy=9031992&hvtargid=pla-2281435180938&psc=1

I think these can be disassembled.

Eh, kind of but they still get pinched to close them up.

Although you got me thinking it would be great to find a set of the "click" ones that just ride up over a tooth and then settle in. Those use the really narrow "parrot jaw" pliers and are easily reused. The downside is they have a very narrow size range and almost have to be built for one specific size.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

If you live in the rust belt they are VERY cruical. Your tie rods and steering rack will be sucking up water (yes even with the zip tie secured boots)