What part is this

[martin_95037]

Can some please tell me what part this is where grease is coming out? The other side is secured with a zip tie which something tells me is not right. Should I use a pipe clap or does Ford recommend a different type of clamp?

 

[LMHmedchem]

This is the bellows/boot on your power steering rack and pinion. The threaded rod is the inner tie rod end which bolts to the rack and pinion under the boot. This connects to the outer tie rod end which connects to the wheel knuckle.

These come with a steel band clamp on each end, but replacement parts often come with a zip tie instead. This suggests that the boot may have been replaced at some point. You can use a standard hose clamp if you need a replacement. You may want to remove both clamps and pull back the boot to make sure that the rack an pinion is not leaking power steering fluid. If it's just a little grease coming out from under the boot, then it should not be a problem and you can just add some new clamps.

LMHmedchem

 

[martin_95037]

I just had the rack and pinion replaced about 6-9 months ago after multiple issues with alignment. Thanks

 

[LMHmedchem]

It seems strange that a new or re-manufactured rack and pinion would have boots that were attached with zip ties and not band clamps. Are you sure that the rack was replaced and not just the tie rod ends and boots?

LMHmedchem

 

[camodown]

That should be a contant tension spring clamp on the power steering bellows where the inner tie rod goes through. There is a small smooth step groove that helps hold the end of the boot and clamp at one spot.

The other end is clamped from the factory using an Oetiker brand stepless ear clamp which are a different style of one time use clamp that have a constant clamp force. They are significantly cheaper if you buy from a wholesaler instead of Ford. Require special tool to fasten, I have a Knipex brand that also secures CV joint clamps which on Fords are typically Oetiker stepless as well.

 

[LMHmedchem]

Do you have a link for where you get the band clamps and what the proper size is (for the larger end of the boot)?

I was planning on just using a standard worm drive hose clamp, since I thought it would be better than the zip tie approach that comes with most replacement parts. I can't seem to find the correct part anywhere. I still have the constant tension spring clamp for the small end but need to replace the clamp on the large end. There are allot of things that would fit, but I'm not sure if they would all function properly over time.

LMHmedchem

 

[camodown]

Honestly you would have to measure it, Ford specs don't allude to part number.

Mcmaster Carr carries them as well as multiple other vendors. If I recall Ford wanted $17 I purchased for $5 a while back.

Base Ford number is 3C650 but you need prefix and suffix to order.

The only things that come up in my mind which would be at your risk would be

1. Zip tie (leaves gap, and they get brittle)

2. Worm drive clamp (never should be used anywhere. Inconsistent diameter for clamping causes pinch points especially with thin materials.)

3. Triple wrap aviation lockwire. I have used this method and it is not perfect either, too tight and you will cut the bellow. But, better seal than zip tie or worm clamp.

4. Measure diameter and size a stepless clamp in stainless for corrosion resistance. Ear clamp companies list range of clamp diameters typically in mm. Just use vernier caliper and order.
Driver side is hard to access but can be done with low pro pliers.

I would pick choices 3 or 4.

 

[camodown]

You may have a leak from that rack seal. There is not supposed to be wetness unless someone got eager with grease.