Originally Posted by chrismo
A clamp, wrap it around and twist the ends together (with a screwdriver presumably) like a twist tie. 99.9% sure my old mazda used them.
Not sure why they went that way, considering rack boots seem to be ok with anything from zip ties, spring clamps or even irrigation hose clamps as per older commodores.
Ah, I can see that. Thanks. I don't think I've ever seen that before. I don't like the idea of a wire tie on the neoprene, though. Too much like a garrote and likely to cut.
and:
Originally Posted by Trav, the mechanic's mechanic
On these I usually clean the rack well the smear a little Hylomar M inside the inner boot lip, once its tightened it will never allow water in. For the lower clamp Ace hardware carries spring clamps, just smear a little grease on the tie rod where the boot end sits then put the clamp on. You can remove it easily before going for an alignment so the monkeys don't twist the boot and possibly tear it when it is older.
Good advice. I have some Hylomar or equivalent for that. I do have a powerbilt(?) band clamp tool, not a ton bigger than that and not as big as some of those with the gangly arms that are difficult in tight spaces. On one side of the car, I will have the a-arm out so no clearance issue (I did the other a-arm already - I try to spread the pain out over time instead of all in one weekend
). I like the idea of the hose clamp vs. band clamp, zip tie, or wire tie here for the reason you mentioned. That is wise. I will make sure I have an appropriately sized one before d-day. I won't do this job for a month or two, as it is for when the new tires are going on and then have them do the tires and alignment all at once.
I really appreciate your knowledgeable comments on this and so many other posts.
Thank all you guys for some good advice, as usual.
