Technical Steering gaiter

[cjmackie007]

I have a perished rubber gaiter on the steering column adjacent to rack. Anyone know where the column separates to slide the new one on ? 2003 x244 Ducato

 

[bugsymike]

I have a perished rubber gaiter on the steering column adjacent to rack. Anyone know where the column separates to slide the new one on ? 2003 x244 Ducato

If similar to Iveco Daily etc. there was a universal joint inside the rubber gaiter with a pinch bolt/clamp so once that and steering column mounting points at dashboard released it should slide off with a little help.
Bear in mind if Airbags etc. it may be safest to disconnect the battery first.
Also mark the position of the two parts or steering wheel will be out of line.
Assuming we are talking about the same gaiter, roughly inbetween your feet.
Is it a cosmetic reason to change as I have had several Dailys with no gaiter there at all and was not deemed an Mot item as the UJs are sealed anyway and inside the vehicle.

 

[cjmackie007]

It's outside the vehicle underneath immediatly above the steering rack.
I was concerned about dirt getting in and damaging the universal joint.
Most of the perished rubber is on the other side

 

[bugsymike]

Oh I see ! Different design.
Principle should be the same for changing it basically as I mentioned, though it looks to be manual steering so it may be possible to undo the steering rack mounting bolts and move away a little to clear the UJ . Just make sure bolted tight afterwards.
If you can't find the correct boot/gaiter a universal steering rack boot kit may do the job as they are fairly forgiving if oiled a little.
Looking at the design it is more a cover than a secured gaiter as it appears to turn with the shaft but loose at the bottom where steering rack is stationary.