Steering rack boots - aftermarket vs factory fit

[C Pierre]

I have to replace the steering rack boots on my 75 280Z (once I manage to get the outer tie rods off). I have searched and noticed some of the aftermarket boots don't fit that well. Has anyone used the Motorsport boots?

Motorsport Auto

 

On the other hand, are the OEM parts worth the (2X +) price for fit, quality and/or ease of installation? That last feature is becoming more important What started out as a rear brake conversion is now a suspension updating.

[seattlejester]

I ordered the MSA boots, they are cut too fit. The tie rod end needs no trimming but the steering rack side needs a bit cut off. I definitely would go in partial increments, IIRC the first ring was too small, but cutting off that ring made the gap too big. It is a boot though so as long as you use a thick zip tie or a cv boot strap you should be good. Took me about 15 minutes once I had the tie rod ends off to slip the old boot off, grease up the new boot (with multipurpose grease) and install them. Only complaint is the lack of increments, and that they look a bit stretched when my steering is maxed out in either direction, then again I don't remember how they looked with the stock boots.

 

I was told and though I had to replace my boots, turned out they were just a little fuzzy from when I heated my tie rod ends to get them off and caked in grease. A little clean up and they are ready to be used if these boots every bite the dust.

Edited June 12, 2012 by seattlejester

[dat77z]

I had bought the aftermarket MSA boots a couple years back and had only pulled the car in and out of the garage for 2 years while restoring it only to find them cracked. Don't waste your money on the MSA rack boots. Spend the extra $$ and buy the OEM ones.