Steering rack boot questions '68 911

[72tii]

When I was installing the front brake calipers tonight I noticed that the steering rack boots the previous owner had installed leave what looks like part of the inner tie-rod exposed. I assume this could not be correct. He had told me that turbo tie-rod ends were installed along with new boots. Do I need to get the boots for the turbo setup? The boots that are on both sides are secured to the rack, but it looks like there should be another part to cover and protect here. There is a rubber piece that slides- is this just supposed to be pushed up to the joint? See the attached picture and let me know what you guys think is going on here.

Thanks,

Mike

[nick-moss]

I can't see too much from that picture but the boot should be secured by a spiral spring band at both ends. I have read somewhere that the Turbo tie rod set up is not suitable for the SWB rack as not enough threads engage in the rack. Can anyone else contribute here?

[roblav]

There should be two spiral bands, like Nick says. If the boots are not fitting over the Turbo Tie rods, then try simple tie wraps (not the cheap ones though). Those boots need to cover the rack extensions, or crud is going to get in them and wear them out.

[Fritz A. Ficke]

I have the turbo's style tie rods on my 67S they work fine on my early ZF made steering rack, in fact you have to use the spacer that comes with the kit. As for your boots they or not protecting anything, get under there and look up at it, the boots should cover all the mono ball of the tie rod and the gear on the rack and seal the end of the rack from any water or dust getting in. Then after you fix the problom and fasten it down, work the steering and make sure it wil not come off again. Good Luck and good catch

[Fritz A. Ficke]

Is the lock nut backed off on the tie rod where it screws in to the ball joint? Did you have a alinenment? Where is your sheild? does a shop have it some where? did some one break the boot turning the tie rod?

[mjmoran]

Mike,

Turbo tie rods will fit a SWB ZF box, although there does need to be some modifacations done to make them work correctly or they will back out (or so I have heard). There are fewer threads and the tie rod treaded insert on the box end needs to be shortened so it does not bottom out.



Although to answer your question, looks like either the wrong boot, or it is installed wrong. That needs to be fixed, your instincts are correct.

Cheers,

[nick-moss]

Having fitted a turbo tie rod kit today to an SC I should correct my previous post. The kit needs the spiral bands on the inner ends of the boots and I have secured the outer ends with tie wraps where the boot narrows down.

[72tii]

Thanks for all the help, guys! I installed the correct turbo tie-rod end boots and checked everything to make sure it was mounted correctly and tight over the weekend.

Mike

[nick-moss]