This tutorial is also available in French
➔
Track rod end gaiter change on Austin Mini
Vehicle ➔ Mini 1000 am1988
Difficulty ➔ Easy
Time ➔ 30 minutes
Summary
Advertisement
Recommendations
A torn steering ball joint boot must be replaced without delay. Indeed, the boot protects the ball joint against any intrusion of dust. If you delay replacing the boot, you will have to replace the ball joint.
When changing the ball joint boot, the ball joint remains attached to the steering rack. It is therefore not necessary to adjust the alignment following this intervention.
There have been several suppliers of steering ball joints throughout the production of the Mini. It is possible that the boot mentioned in this tutorial does not fit your ball joint.
The selling price of a new steering ball joint is really affordable. Carefully analyze the condition of the ball joint before placing your order. If in doubt (oxidation, play) order two new ball joints.
The steering ball joint fixing nuts (GFK3323) are nyloc locking nuts. Before reassembling such a nut, check that the nylon ring is in good condition and guarantees locking. If in doubt, as a safety measure, fit a new nut.
Required Tools
Sponsored links by
Spare Parts
Our Partners
Packaging :
•
21A425: The steering ball joint boot is sold individually.
Advertisement
Remove the boot
Op 01
Detach the steering ball joint (➔ see tutorial ''Replacing Steering Ball Joints'' Steps 01 to 04).
Op 02
Remove the ball joint boot and its retaining spring. Use the small flathead screwdriver to release the spring and remove the boot by hand.
Reassemble the boot
Op 03
Thoroughly clean the steering ball joint.
Grease the ball joint.
Op 04
Fit the new boot (21A425) on the ball joint. Engage it by hand.
Op 05
Fit the 1st clamp on the boot.
Tighten the clamp moderately. Use the Rilsan clamp pliers.
Cut off the end of the clamp that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.
Op 06
Fit the 2nd clamp on the boot.
Tighten the clamp moderately. Use the Rilsan clamp pliers.
Cut off the end of the clamp that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.
Op 07
Replace the steering ball joint on the steering arm (➔ see tutorial ''Replacing Steering Ball Joints'' Steps 11 to 13).
The End
