Replace steering bellows

[the_0utsider1]

My steering bellows are all torn up. I bought a pair from Autozone. The end that is clamped to the steering unit is too small in that i have to stretch it big time to get it to fit.
I check with bellows at Oreily and got the same size.

Is this normal that i need to stretch it to get it on, or do i need to order straight from Mits to get one that slides on??

TIA

[ImBroke]

I did a Diamante that I could not get a big box store's one to fit. Had to go to Mitsu. Have done plenty others that the big box store's versions fit fine. I just ordered some for my Stealth, but I'm thinking I should have went to Mitsu for them. I'll find out in a couple of weekends if they fit. They should have to stretch a little bit, but not an overly difficult amount.

[speedy25]

I run into this a LOT. Most boots are generic "one size fits all with a lot of cursing."

I will let you know that the part Advance sells is correctly sized and fits well with a minimum of headaches. I saved the box to post the part number but I'm not near my garage to grab it for you.

-SP

[jras312]

I ordered a inner tie rod and boot from rock auto and the boot is exactly as you described. I ended up just slitting both ends and using two zip ties to make a good seal. Will deffinately get different ones when I replace my other side over the winter. interested in that part # speedy.

[ImBroke]

Didn't get them from Advance, but they are the same part number as Advance carries. These are Beck Arnley, P/N 103-2695

[the_0utsider1]

I got the Arnley part. Thanks all.

[speedy25]

Too much to do lately BUT..

I did find the box I saved so I could share the part number of aftermarket bellows THAT FIT!

OE brand was on the box but Advance's website names it as Driveworks DW-K9358. It even comes with a tube of grease.

If you are doing this job, make sure the inner tie rod is still OK. Usually they are toast since the failed boot let in dirt.

-SP

[ImBroke]

Originally Posted by ImBroke

These are Beck Arnley, P/N 103-2695

And they don't fit worth a sh&t. Fight and fight, and it won. Time to try the driveworks one, I think. I'll bring in the Beck Arnley for comparison. I should have known better.

[speedy25]

The only other time I got a bellows that fit right was for a Nissan, direct from the dealer. All the rest were a pain. Of course when I tried this part #, I expected a fail, but I got a nice surprise when it actually fit.

-SP

[striker3]

Driveworks parts are based off Moog or TRW so the Moog part should fit properly as well. Its the same part number as the Driveworks, minus the "DW-". of course the Moog will be more expensive.