Replacing rubber boot on Subaru steering rack

[nel]

I've been working on my Mom's '95 Subaru Legacy L to get it ready for winter when I noticed two problems--a torn rubber boot on the steering rack and a torn outer CV joint boot.

The steering rack boot looks like a simple repair but I was wondering if you have to lubricate the area that the boot protects with grease. If so, what kind of grease is needed?

Finally, because I don't know how many miles were driven with a torn CV boot, I thought it faster and easier to just replace the axle. Has anyone had any experience with CarDone parts? I bought a CarDone Select (brand new, rather than reman.) CV halfshaft from Rock Auto for about $65 with a lifetime warranty. The price is quite a bit less than what I expected.

 

[BearZDefect]

If the inner clamp of the steering boot is accessible then you can do it yourself. Most likely it is NOT filled with grease like a CV boot, rather its purpose is to protect the steering rack seal from contamination. You will probably have to open the tie rod, so you will need to reassemble it to exactly the same spot or require an alignment after.

I have never tried a CV boot or halfshaft. Is the old CV joint worn?

 

[nel]

Thanks, BearZDefect. Well, the car does have 120K miles on it, but I don't know how badly damaged (if at all) the CV joint is. I just figured it's easier to replace than to take the old halfshaft apart. I'd need a special tool to tighten the clamp on the new CV boots and who knows what else to take apart the inner workings.

 

[BearZDefect]

Does Rock Auto require you to return the old halfshaft for core? If not, and the old CV joint doesn't clatter on turns, I would hold on to it in case the replacement part doesn't work for long. I have heard that some replacement halfshafts are not as good quality as the originals.

 

[nel]

The CarDone Select parts (which are newly manufactured) have only a $5 core charge, so I'm holding onto the original.

In contrast, the CarDone A1 remanufactured parts have a $40-$50 core charge.

The difference in price between new and reman. was less than $20 so I chose the new part. I hope this works out because it's for my 70-year old Mom's car.