fitting gaiters

[thirdbrother3]

does anyone know if its possible to replace the gaiter (non-PAS) with the rack still fitted, or is it easier(!) to remove the rack?
just while i'm waiting on the new gaiter to arrive i could be removing the rack, but obviously don't want to if i don't need to.

cheers
scott

[WestonE]

I have always removed the rack to do this not having child's hands and wanting to be sure it does not leak.

Eric

[MattNoVAT]

Its virtually impossible to change with the rack in situ, the washers for the steering arms will drop inside the gaiter and then your going to be taking it off to retrieve them.

[TonyLanciaBeta]

I asked Mark W the same question, his answer in situ 

[millieman]

Hi non PAS not too bad in situ, PAS def  remove from car with a extra pair of hands when refitting to avoid catching gaiters on exhaust, gearchange etc.

[HFStuart]

I'm with Matt on this. I'd never try to do the single peice gaitors on the car - you just know one of those washers is going to go awol.

[thirdbrother3]

Thanks all. i kind of got under the car and thought i've asked a daft question. i've now removed rack, and am waiting on delivery of gaiter. I started removing the rack towards the passenger side as i have more room in my garage that side, however a few seconds later realised my blonde moment as trying to navigate the pinion shaft around everything provides additional headaches.

Wasn't as 'near impossible' as the haynes manual described, but an air ratchet made it an awful lot easier.

wish i had spotted the split gaiter a few weeks ago as i had the exhaust and manifold off