Rack and Pinion Boots

Replace the rack and pinion boots on a 2005 Dodge Viper to prevent contamination and fluid leakage from the steering rack assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rack and pinion boot kit (left side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rack and pinion boot kit (right side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Boot clamps (4 total, usually included in boot kits) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends (if disturbed) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• ATF+4 — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock ignition to prevent movement.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points.
5. Remove both front wheels using breaker bar and socket.
6. Place drain pan under steering rack area to catch power steering fluid.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the steering rack
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the steering rack assembly mounted across the front subframe/crossmember area. Identify the boot connections where the boots attach to both the rack housing (inner) and the inner tie rod shaft (outer end of boot). Clean the area around the boots with degreaser and wire brush to remove dirt and debris that could contaminate the rack during boot replacement.
2. 2

   Remove outer boot clamps
   Using boot clamp pliers or side cutters, carefully remove the outer boot clamps at the tie rod end side of each boot. Identify the clamp style (band, worm-gear, or crimped) before removal and use the appropriate tool. Cut or release the clamps and discard them. Note the orientation of the boot before removal.
3. 3

   Remove inner boot clamps
   Locate the inner boot clamps where the boots attach to the steering rack housing. These clamps secure the boot to the rack bellows housing. Using boot clamp pliers or side cutters, remove these clamps. Some power steering fluid may drain from the boot area into your drain pan.
4. 4

   Remove old boots
   Slide the old boots off the tie rod shafts and away from the rack housing. Inspect the boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. Check the tie rod ball joint area for grease contamination or moisture intrusion. If water or excessive dirt is present, the boots have been compromised for some time and internal components should be inspected more carefully.
5. 5

   Clean and inspect rack components
   With boots removed, thoroughly clean the exposed tie rod shafts and rack housing mounting surfaces using brake cleaner. Inspect the rack housing bellows area for cracks or damage. Check tie rod threads for corrosion or damage. Wipe all surfaces dry with a clean cloth. This is the critical opportunity to inspect for rack seal leaks at the housing—look for fresh fluid seepage from the rack itself, not just residual fluid from the boots.
6. 6

   Apply grease to tie rod shafts
   Apply a thin, even coat of lithium grease or steering rack grease to the exposed tie rod shafts. This provides corrosion protection and allows the boot to slide smoothly during installation. Do not over-grease, as excess will be forced out during boot installation.
7. 7

   Install new boots
   Slide the new boots onto the tie rod shafts, starting from the outer (tie rod end) side. Work the boot over the shaft and onto the rack housing bellows mounting surface. Ensure the boot is fully seated in the grooves on both the rack housing and the tie rod. The boot should not be twisted and should have equal material distribution around the circumference. Some boots have molded alignment marks or ribs that must match corresponding features on the rack housing.
8. 8

   Install inner boot clamps
   Position the new inner boot clamps over the boot where it attaches to the rack housing. Using boot clamp pliers, crimp or tighten the clamps securely. Ensure the clamp is positioned in the proper groove and is not pinching the boot material excessively. The boot should be sealed against the housing but not over-compressed to the point of tearing.
9. 9

   Install outer boot clamps
   Position the new outer boot clamps over the boot where it attaches to the tie rod end housing. Ensure the boot is properly seated before tightening the clamp. Using boot clamp pliers, secure the clamps. Verify the boot has freedom to compress and extend slightly during steering movement—it should not be stretched tight or bunched up excessively.
10. 10

    Check boot installation and steering movement
    Visually inspect both boots to ensure they are properly seated with no twists or gaps. Gently push and pull on each boot to verify secure attachment. Have an assistant slowly turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while you observe the boots from underneath. The boots should flex smoothly without binding, tearing, or pulling loose from the clamps. If any binding or unusual movement is observed, recheck boot alignment and clamp position.
11. 11

    Check power steering fluid level
    Lower the vehicle enough to access the engine bay. Locate the power steering fluid reservoir and check the fluid level. Add the manufacturer-specified power steering fluid (verify against factory service documentation; Chrysler commonly specifies ATF+4) as needed to bring level to the FULL COLD mark on the reservoir. Do not overfill.
12. 12

    Bleed power steering system
    With the engine off, turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock several times to distribute fluid and purge air from the system. Check fluid level and add more of the manufacturer-specified power steering fluid as needed. Start the engine and let it idle. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock again while the engine runs. Check for leaks at the boots and rack connections. Recheck fluid level with engine running and add manufacturer-specified fluid to bring to FULL HOT mark if needed.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch the ground. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in the order described in the procedure.
2. Verify all boot clamps are securely installed and boots are not twisted.
3. Verify power steering fluid level is correct and system is bled of air.
4. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the work area before lowering vehicle.

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times. Listen for unusual noises or grinding that would indicate air in the system or improper boot installation.
• With the vehicle on the ground, perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to verify both boots are secure and show no signs of leakage.
• Check power steering fluid reservoir after test drive. Level should remain stable at FULL HOT mark with no foaming or discoloration.
• Test drive the vehicle and verify normal steering operation with no binding, unusual noises, or fluid leaks.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck power steering fluid level and inspect boots for any signs of leakage or movement.

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