Checking the steering gear boot

Check the bellows-type steering boot for cracks: stretching the folds (arrow) is the easiest way to spot leaking areas.

The steering gear is located at the rear of the engine compartment, low down, and its toothed rack is protected by a boot. It must be checked regularly. A cracked bellows boot lets moisture and dirt into the steering gear, and this mixture combined with the filler grease forms a kind of grinding paste that severely damages the rack guide and steering gear pinion. Therefore, timely inspection saves money:

PROCEDURE

Stretch the bellows boot by hand or turn the steering wheel to the right to reveal cracks or tears.

Do both clamps at the ends of the rubber boot fit tightly?
A defective boot must be replaced immediately.