Steering rack question

[Cubieman]

I am in the process of swapping steering racks and couldn't help but notice my original rack doesn't have the rubber cylindrical "donuts" shown in the diagram.

Maybe they were not installed by a previous repair prior to my ownership. Just wanted to be sure these do indeed belong and aren't a non-M part.

[davidinnyc]

Mechanically speaking, the boots aren’t required for the rack to work; however, they keep debris out of the openings. That little donut is what gets clamped on the inner tie rod end that is set in between two “bumps”. I may have an extra set lying around…

[Cubieman]

Mechanically speaking, the boots aren’t required for the rack to work; however, they keep debris out of the openings. That little donut is what gets clamped on the inner tie rod end that is set in between two “bumps”. I may have an extra set lying around…

I have new boots and donuts, thank you though, just found it odd my original rack did not have the donuts installed, wonder if any reason for that.

[davidinnyc]

I have new boots and donuts, thank you though, just found it odd my original rack did not have the donuts installed, wonder if any reason for that.

Was there a clip on the smaller end of the boot? Febi provides two donuts in their kits: one with a slit, the other without. My guess is that the rack was serviced (maybe?) and whomever installed the boots couldn’t locate or forgot the donuts, or maybe the one with the slits fell out and just came off the rod.

[Cubieman]

Was there a clip on the smaller end of the boot? Febi provides two donuts in their kits: one with a slit, the other without. My guess is that the rack was serviced (maybe?) and whomever installed the boots couldn’t locate or forgot the donuts, or maybe the one with the slits fell out and just came off the rod.

Yeah, both sides had the factory style clips, interesting its missing that part, must be like you say, serviced incorrectly.

Just wanted to be certain those donuts do indeed belong on the M racks as I seem to remember sometimes they will show stuff for non-M cars on realoem.

[jayjaya29]

They are not needed with the boots you are running.

[WestBankM4]

Cubieman What rack are you swapping out for?

[elbert]

Just wanted to be certain those donuts do indeed belong on the M racks as I seem to remember sometimes they will show stuff for non-M cars on realoem.

The original bellows did not have donuts, but instead had an opening that matched the tie rod diameter.
If you look at the steering rack part of realoem, it shows you what it looks like (screenshot below)
I don't think this style is available anymore from what I can tell.

[elbert]

Just noticed, the donuts would be on the other end of the bellows than what is pictured -- at the tie rod end, not the rack.

[Cubieman]

Cubieman What rack are you swapping out for?

Yellowtag

[Cubieman]

The original bellows did not have donuts, but instead had an opening that matched the tie rod diameter.
If you look at the steering rack part of realoem, it shows you what it looks like (screenshot below)
I don't think this style is available anymore from what I can tell.

I'll reuse these boots if thats the case, likely a better seal, that kind of dumb thing. Thanks for that info.

[Zack]

Just noticed, the donuts would be on the other end of the bellows than what is pictured -- at the tie rod end, not the rack.

I noticed that right away, OP we would need a picture of the opposite side of the bellows to ensure you have the correct information!

[WestBankM4]

Yellowtag

It's essentially a plug and play with the tie rods you're currently using yeah? I'm not sure why I read somewhere that I needed non-M tie rods or something for the 712. Just making sure because this Winter my project's up front will be completed, God willing.

[Cubieman]

I noticed that right away, OP we would need a picture of the opposite side of the bellows to ensure you have the correct information!

There is nothing on the other side either, the boot clamps directly to the rack.

[Cubieman]

It's essentially a plug and play with the tie rods you're currently using yeah? I'm not sure why I read somewhere that I needed non-M tie rods or something for the 712. Just making sure because this Winter my project's up front will be completed, God willing.

Damn, I hope I don't need non-M stuff, I already have the M tie rods...man.