Interior Steering Wheel Rod Bung/Gaitor Thing Shredding

[MrChris]

Apologies for  the title, my mechanical knowledge is not great but I'm pretty good at picking things up once I've been told! Also, I would have searched this as I don't know if it's a common issue but I have no idea what to search for.

So anyway, my steering wheel is creaking every time I turn it quite far left or right. So, I went into the footwell to see what I could see and found some rubber stuff coming out of the hole. Best to just put a picture on to show what I mean... Any help or advice is much appreciated!

[Call the midlife!]

That's the gaitor that stops wind/water getting through the bulkhead where the steering column goes through. It should be fastened to the bulkhead but free round the steering column, it's basically a rubber boot/cover.
I'd be surprised if that was making a noise loud enough for you to hear but you can put a smear of grease, or Vaseline if needs be, on the steering column where it goes through the rubber and see if that quietens it down.
Otherwise it's either the steering rack or pump if it's on full lock.


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[MrChris]

That's the gaitor that stops wind/water getting through the bulkhead where the steering column goes through. It should be fastened to the bulkhead but free round the steering column, it's basically a rubber boot/cover.
I'd be surprised if that was making a noise loud enough for you to hear but you can put a smear of grease, or Vaseline if needs be, on the steering column where it goes through the rubber and see if that quietens it down.
Otherwise it's either the steering rack or pump if it's on full lock.


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Steering rack doesn't sound like fun for my wallet. No experience of having to change the pump if it is on the way out though.

Any idea if that gaitor is easy to replace?

[Call the midlife!]

Wasn't necessarily suggesting there was anything massively wrong with the steering etc, just the other suspects.
It's not a massive job to replace the gaiter but you have to remove the steering U/J to sleeve it on, I replaced mine when I fitted a new U/J but I'm not sure if you can replace it from the inside which would be easier.


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[MrChris]

That's really helpful thank you, I'm due to inspect the UJ at some point (should have done it already I know   ) so I'll combine sorting it with that.

Next question is where to source a gaitor!

[Call the midlife!]

That's really helpful thank you, I'm due to inspect the UJ at some point (should have done it already I know so I'll combine sorting it with that.

Next question is where to source a gaitor!

TCB for mine as I'm not close to a Mr T main dealer, they're around £20 though regardless but you'll only ever fit one in a lifetime.
Yours doesn't look bad in the pic though? If you stick your finger in the recess and gently run it round you'll feel any tears or holes, they perish over time.
They're not a mechanical part though so unless it's letting in water or draughty you're safe to leave it until you have to replace it or do the U/J. I'd try a blob of grease first and see if it quietens it down.


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[MrChris]

Ideal. Thanks so much you've put my mind at ease. There is actually a great big hold in it that doesn't show well uber the picture but had not let any thing in yet

[Call the midlife!]

Ideal. Thanks so much you've put my mind at ease. There is actually a great big hold in it that doesn't show well uber the picture but had not let any thing in yet

Water has to go quite a way to get in there, same with draught, depending where the hole is you could slacken the hose clip and gently turn the gaiter round so the hole is in a "better" place.


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[Call the midlife!]

For perspective the red circle is where the gaiter comes through externally.


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[J03]

If anyone wants to save a few quid over the oem boot, CV boot Shaftec bk211 fits perfectly & is around £9 

[ptennisnet]

Don't drive through floods with a torn gaiter and the frunk removed as water come in and goes all over your feet. 

[MrChris]

Perfect, thank you for the piccies and other advice. Definitely going to avoid floods and rivers!