Steering rack gaiter fitting problem

[Wicksie]

I have been struggling to fit a new RH steering rack gaiter.
For a start the access is very limited and getting a hand in and feeling if the gaiter has slipped over the lip is "challenging"
I thought I'd cracked it at the first attempt but after fixing it with a cable tie, I thought, it just pulled off and revealed that all the wiggling and twisting had cut a hole in the gaiter,
I am using the recommended item from dmgrs but before I try to fit another one has any body got any tips to make this task easier.
I have tried greasing the big end inner bit and heating it to make it more pliable but am stuck really and need some wise advice.
One thing I have noticed is that the rack housing has two flats on either side, are they relevant to the fitting process? Also I have been trying to twist the gaiter on and that is maybe why it got cut and should I just be pushing it on?
Very grateful for any advice before this simple job sends me nuts!

[COLVERT]

Perhaps dmgrs could advise after all they sell them.---

[trikey]

Put the gaiter in hot water for 10 mins before fitting, turn the steering so that the track rod is in ins innermost position, that should help you.

[SCP440]

The other thing I have done to help is find some thing slightly larger to stretch the new gaiter in the hot water, a Coke can or what ever you have about can work, dont go mad or it will split but a few mm can make the job so much easier.

It will shrink back as it cools down.

[Wicksie]

The hot water tip is great - I was heating with a paint stripper ( held at suitable distance obviously) to no avail.
Will try tips and report back.
By the way love your dog pic trikey, what's his / her name. I have a faithful collie too he is Max

[Wicksie]

Easy peasie - went on straight away. Thanks Trikey and SCP440

[trikey]

Glad it worked for you, doggie is Megan (Meg) here she is enjoying a road trip..

Post a pic of yours in the photography corner, we need more furry friend pics.

[xsport]

Originally Posted by Wicksie

I have been struggling to fit a new RH steering rack gaiter.
For a start the access is very limited and getting a hand in and feeling if the gaiter has slipped over the lip is "challenging"
I thought I'd cracked it at the first attempt but after fixing it with a cable tie, I thought, it just pulled off and revealed that all the wiggling and twisting had cut a hole in the gaiter,
I am using the recommended item from dmgrs but before I try to fit another one has any body got any tips to make this task easier.
I have tried greasing the big end inner bit and heating it to make it more pliable but am stuck really and need some wise advice.
One thing I have noticed is that the rack housing has two flats on either side, are they relevant to the fitting process? Also I have been trying to twist the gaiter on and that is maybe why it got cut and should I just be pushing it on?
Very grateful for any advice before this simple job sends me nuts!

im sure there was a thread on here few months back where a member had this same problem of fitting the new gaiters. i have not searched for it but if i recall the member said he realised that the two flats needed to be pressed upon with finger/thumb , and this made the gaiter "oval" at the top and bottom to go over the lips and push and twist home. still all is good now thanks to trikey ..