Tools Required

J 22610 Service Boot Clamp Installer

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .



2. Remove the outer tie rod. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
3. Remove the hexagon jam nut (2) from the inner tie rod assembly (1).



4. Remove the tie rod end clamp (2) from the rack and pinion boot (1).



5. Remove the boot clamp (1) from the rack and pinion boot with side cutters.
6. Discard the boot clamp (1).




Important: 

•	Prior to removing the breather tube or the rack and pinion boot, mark the location of the breather tube on the gear assembly.

•	After removing the boot, inspect the inner tie rod for evidence of corrosion or contamination. If none is evident, continue with the repair. If corrosion or contamination is evident, replace the steering gear.

7. Remove the rack and pinion boot (1) and the breather tube from the rack and pinion gear assembly.

1. Prior to the rack and pinion boot installation, apply grease to the inner tie rod assembly (2) and the rack and pinion gear assembly (1).
2. Install the rack and pinion boot (3) onto the inner tie rod assembly (2).
3. Install the breather tube while aligning the breather tube with the mark made during removal and the molded nipple of the rack and pinion boot.

Important: The rack and pinion boot (3) must not be twisted, puckered or out of shape in any way. If the rack and pinion boot (3) is not shaped properly, adjust the rack and pinion boot (3) by hand before installing the boot clamp.

4. Install the rack and pinion boot onto the gear assembly (1) until the rack and pinion boot (3) is seated in the gear assembly groove.



5. Install the boot clamp (1) on the rack and pinion boot (2).
6. Crimp the boot clamp (1) using the J 22610 .
7. Pinch the pliers together on the rack and pinion boot (2) in order to install the tie rod end clamp.



8. Install the new boot clamp (2) onto the rack and pinion boot (1).



9. Install the hexagon jam nut (2) to the inner tie rod assembly (1).
10. Install the outer tie rod. Refer to Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement .
11. Check the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .