Steering column intermediate shaft boot replacement?

ttt

 

this one should be a sticky, it has great info on replacing the boot.

Fernando

 

Kinda has to.

 

Another thing I’ve done with these shafts, or pieces like this, is stick them in the freezer for a while. This will often shrink the material enough to get the pieces apart easier.

I have done this same type of thing with putting the chrome/stainless rings back on the 69-70 and 71-newer Rally Steering wheels. I stick the wheels in the freezer to shrink them, and put the rings in really hot water.

You have to be quick, but with a little effort they usually go right on, and another wheel gets saved.
Duane

 

Question? Who sells the shaft boot seal?

 

I think I got mine from OPG. Try Todd with Stage Won Restorations, he is on this site.

Fernando

 

Thanks, Fernando. The Parts Place has them too, I just located on there site. =)

 

I've seen some folks say that they can install the new rubber boot by somehow stretching it on over the top end of the shaft and over the un-removed "pin". Have rebuilt/restored a bunch of these intermediate steering shafts but never actually tried to install a new boot that way. Sure, I've put the new boot up to the shaft and sort of lightly manipulated, tugged, stretched, etc it but it sure seems like the boot would end up tearing so never tried too hard.

This would be for a "small block" steering shaft where the pin usually would be removed to install a new boot.

Todd probably sells the new boots.

 

I tried stretching it that way too, but I was afraid of tearing it. Darn boot was not cheap! So, I'm glad I had the press to remove the pin. Wished I would have had those pliers at that time, would have save me a bunch of grieve and aggravation. That's a crazy looking clamp!
Fernando

 

I've used a press as well to remove/install the pin when that is required. If other folks are trying a press for the first time.....be aware....sometimes you will get a loud "pop" when the pin starts to finally move from the press pressure. The "pop" can make you jump a bit if you aren't aware that it can happen. This happens when REMOVING the pin....not when re-installing it.

I don't really doubt one guy that said he stretched the boot on....no real reason to "make up" a story like that....but yeah, sure seems like a heck of a stretch!

I've had other new/repro rubber pieces tear/rip when trying to install them......it's not a fun feeling when you see that new rubber part begin to tear (clutch rod boot for example....but not on a Buick)...uggh.