I just did this on my 2003 325xi. Zip tie on the inner boot (at the steering rack) is the only way to secure it, unless you drop the front subframe. There’s just no room to get in there with the boot clamp pliers. I’d say the downside of the zip tie is that eventually, it is likely to become brittle and break. Then again, I’ve seen zip ties stand up to an awful lot. And as long as you’ve got the engine shield on under there, the inner end of the boot isn’t all that exposed.
Easier, and more accurate,to count exposed threads, before you start, than to count turns. Or, just hit the exposed threads with a paint pen before you start.
Use on both sides metal clips, else you risk of having water and dirt coming inside the steering rack and sooner or later you will need a new steering rack. Also, before you fixate the boot with the metal clips, make the alignment on place, else you need to remove those clips to do the alignment or risk to cut the boot (again) due to rotation of the axle. Hope that helps to the DIY mechanics out there handling it the first time. Not a desktop mechanic here. Cheers
Question. What if the rack seal is leaking fluid and if I want to put new boot so that the fluid is not leaking. Would that be possible? I don't need it for long time, maybe just for 2 years that it survives. Eventually the boot will be filled with oil, would that mess something up with that ball joint (I know it requires grease instead of fluid, but it has similar properties I guess)?
+Gassy Slime This procedure might be different for your application. We do not currently have a how-to video for this particular year, make and model. Thank you for asking! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Great video, tried to find the part on your site using "Steering Rack Boot" and "Tie Rod Boot" for 2001 325i. Need "Steering Rack and Pinion 'Bellow' to find it." The "pinned" link in the comment section doesn't get you there, but the boxed link under the title works if you on a computer and not a phone.
Hello Andy and Everyone else from 1A Auto. Just wondering if you have any videos on how to fix an Air Condition Unit that’s Blowing Hot Air from the Passenger Side but on the Drivers side it blows cold air. It’s an 03 GMC Sierra 2500HD. AC Actuators/ Blend Door May be broken or stuck I’m thinking 🤔.
+prprince2009 We currently do not have an auto repair video that covers this particular repair. We will keep this request in mind in the event that we need to make this repair in the future. 1aauto.com
Correct me if I'm being dumb but could you not have just undone the outer tie rod near wheel and slide the new boot over and save possibly messing up alignment and tracking? Even the hard rubber boot could be cut through its diameter and placed around the smaller end of tie rod bellow? Thanks.
Yes, the hard rubber doughnut is normally slit on one side on most kits I've seen so you just get the outer tie rod end loose and do not screw up alignment by messing with inner/outer thread connection (do not loosen jam nut)
√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*
I just did this on my 2003 325xi. Zip tie on the inner boot (at the steering rack) is the only way to secure it, unless you drop the front subframe. There’s just no room to get in there with the boot clamp pliers.
I’d say the downside of the zip tie is that eventually, it is likely to become brittle and break. Then again, I’ve seen zip ties stand up to an awful lot. And as long as you’ve got the engine shield on under there, the inner end of the boot isn’t all that exposed.
Easier, and more accurate,to count exposed threads, before you start, than to count turns.
Or, just hit the exposed threads with a paint pen before you start.
+Blue Haired Weirdo Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com
Use on both sides metal clips, else you risk of having water and dirt coming inside the steering rack and sooner or later you will need a new steering rack. Also, before you fixate the boot with the metal clips, make the alignment on place, else you need to remove those clips to do the alignment or risk to cut the boot (again) due to rotation of the axle. Hope that helps to the DIY mechanics out there handling it the first time. Not a desktop mechanic here. Cheers
Great video. Do you have one for a rear outer CV boot on an e46 bmw?
Great video about to replace my boots and bushings on my bmw 325xi tomorrow
+Melissa Iodice Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com:
1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Question. What if the rack seal is leaking fluid and if I want to put new boot so that the fluid is not leaking. Would that be possible? I don't need it for long time, maybe just for 2 years that it survives. Eventually the boot will be filled with oil, would that mess something up with that ball joint (I know it requires grease instead of fluid, but it has similar properties I guess)?
Will this video tutorial work with a 2000 bmw 328i ? RWD
+Gassy Slime This procedure might be different for your application. We do not currently have a how-to video for this particular year, make and model. Thank you for asking! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Great video, tried to find the part on your site using "Steering Rack Boot" and "Tie Rod Boot" for 2001 325i. Need "Steering Rack and Pinion 'Bellow' to find it." The "pinned" link in the comment section doesn't get you there, but the boxed link under the title works if you on a computer and not a phone.
Hello i bought these boots, but the dust plugs in the video are not in the kit, they won't work without them, are they avail?
How old those Boots and how many mileage on this BMW?
Hello Andy and Everyone else from 1A Auto. Just wondering if you have any videos on how to fix an Air Condition Unit that’s Blowing Hot Air from the Passenger Side but on the Drivers side it blows cold air. It’s an 03 GMC Sierra 2500HD. AC Actuators/ Blend Door May be broken or stuck I’m thinking 🤔.
+prprince2009 We currently do not have an auto repair video that covers this particular repair. We will keep this request in mind in the event that we need to make this repair in the future. 1aauto.com
The wire tie is actually plastic. It's a zip tie.
Correct me if I'm being dumb but could you not have just undone the outer tie rod near wheel and slide the new boot over and save possibly messing up alignment and tracking?
Even the hard rubber boot could be cut through its diameter and placed around the smaller end of tie rod bellow? Thanks.
Yes, the hard rubber doughnut is normally slit on one side on most kits I've seen so you just get the outer tie rod end loose and do not screw up alignment by messing with inner/outer thread connection (do not loosen jam nut)
This guys wants to send you to his alignment buddy.
No. The boot won't fit over the ball joint that isn't removable from the outer rod.
Zip tie to secure the inner end of the boot. Do it right or don’t do it at all.