Dirt in my steering rack boots

[HellBender]

One of my boots on the end of steering rack had a tear in when delivered. I replaced it with a new one. I been working in water and wondered how the other boot did holding water out. I slowly pulled it back for inspection. It was dry inside but I was surprised to find dirt inside. And not just a few grains!! Boot was in good shape so the boot must not have made a good enough seal. I removed it, cleaned everything up and added new grease. I also added grease to the seal areas to help make an airtight seal. When reassembling I actually had to bleed some air from them so they weren't so swollen with air. I did leave them with a little positive pressure so they won,t vacuum any air and dirt in. . With only 150 hrs on the tractor, is this a design flaw or is mine just a fluke??? FYI - The small spring does have a few stretch coils but seems secure. I ordered new ones.

 

[Don87]

They actually don't fit that tight, so inspecting them/cleaning/greasing would be a very good idea. Why you had that much dirt in one, with the boot still on is a 'stumper'.

Mine slipped off and I was surprised at how loosely they fit.