Steering rack gaiters

[Splant]

Hi ,are special tools required for this job ? I don't suppose the universal stretchy ones will stretch over them without dismantling.

[Pedrokat]

I bought first line gaiters when I was restoring my car.... very similar if not identical to originals.
I didnt need any special tools although I did gave to remove the studs the track rods bolt to so I could slide the gaiter past that bit.

[Pedrokat]

Should mention my rack was out of car at the time.......

[Andrew Fitton]

I note the Haynes manual tells home mechanics not to try and refurb a rack but take it to a dealer as it needs special tools ( in 1983 - I’d like to see the look on a dealers face if i took mine in now). Presumably one of the special tools is to get those fancy straps on that hold the gaiters in place. That said I am sure I have seen replacement gaiters being sold with cable ties. I wouldn’t use those but I don’t see why wire wouldn’t work - it’s what they used on my MX5 at the factory.

If you are taking the rack out there seems to be a knack to gently easing it out from the column uj - which I don’t have - see my thread from a few weeks ago.

[Pedrokat]

Yes I remember the Haynes manual comments but I looked at my rack and couldn't see any real reason why I would need anything special... I have some photos I can post.
I cannot remember any particular problem disconnecting the column.... I actually re gaitered a spare rack I had and refitted that so my original is now in my shed... I should re gaiter that and put it away... t thought I removed the pinch bolt and then either used a pry bar or screw driver to open the spine up..
I certainly did the latter removing a classic mini steering rack last week.
As I say the first line kit looked alot like my originals but I cannot remember if they were cable ties..... I will look at my photos.
Peter

[Pedrokat]

Cant seem to attach a picture....... file too large.... but first line waiters seem to have come with metal clips.... or I reused...as my photo shows clips similar to original.... it was around 4 years ago I was looking at the rack.
Could prob find invoice with part number if you need it.
Regards

[Splant]

Cheers, got it off ,do the studs come out with the double nut trick? What about the white plastic end cap does that come off? Do I have to make sure it's in centre of travel when putting it back on? Or any other tricks.

[alfadave]

I've been lucky enough never to have needed to change the rack gaiters........

But if I ever do, is it possible to change them with the rack in position, or does it have to come out?

[Pedrokat]

I think I fitted them both from one end..... i think the black pointy end... but it was 4 years ago and as a mechanic by trade i have seen many jobs since ... yes double nut will get studs out.... I think you would struggle to to them in the car as the clamps get in the way.... iirc.....
As for centering... cant see how it affects gaiter fitting but I would try not to move it once you disconnect column....that way tou can just bolt back in and it will connect.

[Andrew Fitton]

Mine had bolts holding it to the bulkhead. Very early 33 based sprint.

[Alfa_Japan]

Can you post the First Line part number of this gaiter? Online ordering these days results into generic parts that look very different or have incorrect diameters at both ends since they're generic. If you state that the First Line one is very similar to the original one I would be curious to find out.

[Pedrokat]

FLN-FSG3000 is the first line number.
I bought them in 2015.
Cost me £12

[Pedrokat]

this is my spare rack re gaitered with the first line ones .
It's now in use in my sprint.

[Pedrokat]

Looking at the picture they both go on from the white cap end, with the studs removed.
Regards
Peter

[Splant]

Yes the white plastic has 4 slots in it ,you prise each quarter up out of a slot ,then it pulls off, simples (for once )

[Kegsti66]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALFA-ROMEO-A ... SwpeBeRnnU


Any use ?

[Pedrokat]

I didn't risk cracking the white cap...the gaiters have plenty of give..... where I suspect 38 year old italian plastic doesn't .
I ordered another set of the first line gaiters to re gaiter my original rack today..They have gone up a bit . 14 quid for the pair plus vat

[Andrew Fitton]

I took the white cap off as I was curious. I have not put it back on again but shall do so this weekend before I lose it.