Steering wheel Boot

Hi Chaps

Is anyone aware if its a mot failure if you have no steering rack boot ' Its a 88 auto 1.8

Does any one have a spare ??

No it's not an MOT fail, mine was split and cracked open showing the UJ for about 5 years and no mention during the MOTs.
In the end the steering rack needed replacing, it was the original rack so 25 years and 250,000 miles of use it was due and that's when I fitted a new rubber boot.

Wrap the new boot in something like a plumbers solder matt and it will stop it cracking with the heat from the exhaust down pipe.

I used this type with a couple of cable ties to hold it in place.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Soldering-Mat-Heat-Proof-Resistant-Plumbers-Brazing-Pad-300-x-250mm-10-x-12in/112900616177?epid=21011533748&hash=item1a4966aff1:g:hjEAAOSwjexbn8oG

One here..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mk1-Golf-GTI-Tintop-Cabriolet-Steering-Rack-Rubber-Boot/254473572058?hash=item3b3fce8eda:g:gXcAAOSwVGFZrUmU

Or here.
https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/mk1-golf-steering-rack-knuckle-boot-172419523-jetta-scirocco-caddy-19141-p.asp

They have gone up in price since I replaced mine… I thought £30 was a lot of money for a rubber boot !!  

2 new spares…
1 old with silicon repair

What with collection i have to keep spares.

Thanks to all for all your guidance' I think I will evaluate how bad the rubber boot is first.

Is it best to go from under the car or can these be replaced from above?

I know that when i replaced my PWR Steering rack, I replaced the boot from under the car.  Just be warned that of you have to loosen your rack bushings/holders Clean all the exposed threads, and soak in a penetrating oil, before wrenching on the studs lest you break one…..

I have seen horror stories about repairing them…

If it's not there it's not an MOT failure as it can't be checked.

If it's there it has to be secure and have no rips.

Gotta love the MOT!

Ian

well its all repaired and refitted' just waiting for my plumbers mate' heat proof fabric along with stainless ties to wrap around so it don't get melted.

I must say it was a right old job.

Firstly I  undone the UJ in the engine bay i took the bolt out so the UV could fall once I undone the UV from inside the car.
Undone the UV in the car and gave it a gentle tap it came off rather easy.

I only realized that this method worked when I was trying to put back together.
Good job  done' the car is also a quieter now

There is a dude on ebay selling kevlar heat socks for them, I'd just buy one of them to cover it up with

Goodness me they are expensive and seemingly impossible to source! Thanks 1985 for the heads up re: the kevlar cover - have ordered one of those but still on the hunt for the rubber boot if anybody willing to part with one or knows where one can be found? I think I'd be happier with grease surrounding the U-joint instead of road grime + gravel  

Think we have got to the stage that parts are now a big problem. I've run Jetta/MK1s as dailys and hobby cars for 30+ years and sourcing parts never really been a problem, even in pre internet days. Sometimes it did take a bit of time and scary £ but parts were there.

I'm looking for OEM spec filler neck to tank hose, someone is having probs getting a 1.1 exhaust.

Might be time to fast forward and restart with an early BMW Mini….

You will need to check this one will fit a right hand drive car. It looks right but do check…

https://www.werk34.de/en/rubber-for-universal-joint-fits-for-golf-mk1-419.171.523.html

In stock at Germany.