Hi,
Last night I replaced the driver's side steering rack boot on my '88 505 GTI wagon as the old one was torn. This wasn't too bad a job - a bit tricky getting the new boot to go on but it worked out in the end.
I went to do the passenger's side one (also ripped) and found that it is totally different to the driver's side as it has the power steering ram, and a removable ball joint with a separate boot. You have to remove the ball joint and take out the tie rod end to be able to replace the steering rack boot.
The Haynes manual is not detailed on how to remove the ball joint but my factory 505 manual gives an excellent description. You need a special "C" shaped tool to do it properly. Supposedly you can use vice grips or something according to Haynes.
What tool do people use or recommend to remove the ball joint and is it a difficult job?
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By the way, the tie rod end on the passenger's side was totally stuffed. There was so much play in it and the ball end was basically just rattling around inside the joint. Dangerous stuff. I had a spare one from an STI which is used but still good. I used this instead. The frustrating thing is that I have three brand new ones floating around the house but I can't find them!
Thanks,
James