Steering Gaiter / Steering Boot

For those having to or wanting to replace a steering gaiter (Steering boot), in the FSM called "bellows", here is one from alternative sources that fits perfectly. It is made of a much tougher and very much more flexible sort of plastic (PU) than the OEM product, which is made of PP.
This one is sold as a so-called "universal gaiter", and there are many similar out there claiming to fit all, but this one really fits the Mirage perfectly:

Gaiter, Make: SKF

Type: VKJP 02000


Maybe this should be archived in an alternative parts list.




Photo of replacement non-OEM gaiter:

Attachment 10585

Have you replaced yours? Can we see some pictures of the differences?

This part appears to be available in Europe but not North America.

At least not yet. :)

Are you talking about the boot that the steering shaft goes through at the firewall? Why would you need to replace this part already?

I don't know what a steering gaiter is?!? But when I did a web search, I think we are talking about the rubber boots (or 'bellows' as the service manual calls them) between the tie rod and steering rack...

Attachment 10569

Attachment 10570

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fummins

Are you talking about the boot that the steering shaft goes through at the firewall? Why would you need to replace this part already?

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In this part of the world, we call them a steering boot, some say gaiter. In the FSM it is called bellows. There are two, one left one right.


You may recall, I did a write-up about the crappy steering a long while ago. I am still working on an easy and effective permanent remedy, and have come a long way since.
I just might make another, better write-up about remedying the crappy steering when I am finally finished.

In very short: The much too high torque withing the steering gear (see FSM) is the cause for the crappy steering. No power assist of any sort can overcome this short-coming, because you just cant cheat the laws of physics.
After readjusting (loosening) the adjustment screw and securing its crown nut (for experts only, purpose to reduce friction), and clearing out the grease, the steering gear gets approximately 200mL of gearbox oil as its new lubricant. Oil as a lubricant reduces friction (lowers torque) even further than with grease. This should be done preferably with better sealing (air tight!) steering boots, which was reason for changing, but for a miser, the old ones might do. Those two steps make a world of difference. Maybe more on that some months later in a dedicated write-up...

Edit: Photo added in post 1