Tools Required

J 22610 Keystone Clamp Pliers.

1. Remove the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .
2. Remove the steering linkage inner tie rod nut (2).



3. Remove the outer steering gear boot clamp (2).



4. Remove the inner steering gear boot clamp (1) and discard it.




Important: 

•	If a breather tube is present, mark the location of the breather tube on the gear assembly before removal of the steering gear boot.

•	After removing the boot, inspect the steering linkage 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.

5. Remove the steering gear boot (1) and the breather tube, if present, from the steering gear.

1. Install the new inner steering gear boot clamp (1) onto the steering gear boot (3).



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

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

5. Install the steering gear boot onto the steering gear (1) until the steering gear boot (3) is seated in the steering gear boot groove.



6. Install the new inner steering gear boot clamp (1) with pliers J 22610 and crimp it.



7. Install the outer steering gear boot clamp (2).



8. Install the steering linkage inner tie rod nut (2) back to its approximate location before removing it.
9. Install the steering linkage outer tie rod. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement .