Steering rack boot fit

[Festy46]

I bought a new set of steering rack boots (manual steering) from a guy on eBay. He claimed they were for the Festiva's manual steering rack. When I went to put them on, the tie rod end fit perfectly, but the rack end is terribly loose. If it wasn't for the "lip" on the steering rack, I could probably slide it on to the spot where the rack mounting bushing is located. Did the guy sell me some "fits all" or power steering rack boots, or are all the replacement boots loose on the rack end? I threw away the old ones before I got the new ones so I can't compare the 2 boots.


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[batstiva]

Mine were really tight on the outer edge (tie rod end edge) and a little loose on the other end. Not terribly so, just a little loose. Probably what he has is a set of universal boots. They'll work fine. Did yours come with metal bands, or zip ties to hold them in place?

[Festy46]

Did yours come with metal bands, or zip ties to hold them in place?

They came with zip ties, but I have the tool and metal bands to install boots on CV axles, so I used the metal CV bands. The boots were big enough that when I tightened the band, there is a tiny wrinkle in the rubber, but it is tight enough that it can't be pulled off.

[Zanzer]

I used universal shock boots and wide zip ties. Works great and you can get them in all kinds of colors

[qroger]

I got a pair of boots that were definitely Not loose. I eventually gave up and took the steering rack out of the car, and It was still tough to get them on.

[Stuart]

Why used?
I got a new set from Napa for $30 each.
(with zipties...)

[bhazard]

30 each Jesus christ dude.