The Chrysler Minivan Fan Club Forums banner

Melted the steering rack boot/bellows...

5.2K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  marvinstockman  
#1 · (Edited)
So, like an idiot, I got a little overzealous with the torch (trying to get the jamb nut loose when replacing an outer tie rod). All was well, until I accidentally twisted the inner tie rod too much while it was still presumably extremely hot. The rack boot/bellows just tore wide open from the twisting.

Image


I saw there are some sellers on ebay that have replacements, but I was hoping to find a local source for a replacement so I can get this job finished quickly. Does anyone know of a part number to search for? I couldn't find anything obvious when trying some of the major parts store chains. This is for a 2007 Grand Caravan SXT 3.8L.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
I have no advice on replacing a boot. But I do have a new passenger side axle, in box, if you just want to replace the whole thing. /shameless plug Can't tell from pic which side this is.
 
#8 ·
Uh, continue ignoring this. I guess I had axles on the brain, not tie rods...
 
#3 ·
How important is the vent tube?
I found Autozone carries a Dorman universal rack boot for $16 (Dorman 03670, which seems to be identical to Dorman 614-020 except for the packaging):
https://www.autozone.com/suspension...pension-steering-tire-and-wheel/rack-pinion-boot/help-rack-pinion-boot/1121_0_0
One reviewer on Amazon said it fit fine on his 2005 grand caravan (after cutting one side to fit, as advertised). Only concern is that it doesn't have the vent/breather tube. Does that realistically make much difference?
 
#5 ·
From what I can see, the breather tube was a mid-model-year switch at some point, and the "boots" are called "bellows" in the official parts world. As far as I can tell, it's not a separate part number for Chrysler because (almost) nobody every just replaces the boot/bellows. I would look at the universal-size replacement mentioned above and see if it will work or maybe go in and talk to the parts dept. at your local dealer and see if the person behind the counter has had the request before...?
 
#4 ·
I understand the reasoning for it, allowing air in/out as you turn so the boot doesn't pop or collapse, and passes the air from one side to the other instead of letting in outside air that could have moisture or contaminants in it. A lot of stock setups have it, so at least OEMs believe in it. Otherwise the bean counters would axe it.
 
#6 ·
So I went ahead and purchased the "universal" replacement. The material is very stretchy, but it still wasn't enough for me to get the wide end over the rack end without splitting it (accidentally). Thankfully, I was able to pull it far enough over to where I could zip-tie it on past the point where it tore. I found that putting this side on from underneath the van was easier than trying to do it from the side through the wheel well.

You can see how it split here as I tried to pull it over the end of the rack (I zip-tied it after I took this picture):
Image


The small end slipped on without issue:
Image


This universal replacement didn't have a breather tube vent, so I just kinda left the breather tube dangling in place with another zip tie. So, not sure how well this will work or how long it will last, but will hopefully at least keep dirt out for a little while.
 
#7 ·
I watched a video on installing boots. The guy took the old one off, and held it next to the new one. The wide end of the new one had stepped down diameters and he snipped it off where the diameters matched. Did you do that? I might be convinced to back the boot off and snip off the torn section. That will prevent the tear from propagating.
 
#10 ·
Uh well, I don't know what to tell you there. Maybe it's meant to tear till it fits?