2. Release the inner bracket of the protective boot, and pull the boot off the steering gear (see photo).
3. Check the condition of the protective cover; replace it if it is damaged or if it is loose on the steering gear or tie rod. Staples should be replaced if they are damaged or do not properly secure the case.
4. Thoroughly clean the tie rod and steering box. Use fine-grained emery cloth to remove any corrosion, burrs, or sharp edges that could damage the sealing lips when installing a new protective boot.
5. If the steering mechanism is not sufficiently filled with grease, add the same type of grease; if such lubrication is not available, the steering gear must be removed from the vehicle, disassembled and cleaned of old grease, and then assembled and filled with new grease specified in Specifications type (see chapters 18 and 19).
6. If a significant amount of lubrication has been lost from the steering gear, turn the steering gear from one extreme position to another several times so that as much of the old oil comes out of it. Measure the amount of leaked oil, fit the boot and fasten one bracket as described below, then inject the full amount of oil under the sealing lip of the boot and into the steering gear, then fasten the second bracket.
7. When installing, lubricate the sealing lips of the protective boot and slide it into place, then fasten the first bracket and replace the lost grease as noted above.
8. Evenly place the protective boot on the tie rod, and secure the remaining bracket.
9. Install ball joint and tie rod locknut (Chapter 20).
10. When checking the functioning of the steering mechanism, also make sure that the protective cover does not interfere with the movement of the rod and does not swell; if necessary, loosen the cleats and reposition the protective boot, then secure the cleats while losing as little lubricant as possible.