How the hell do you get to the circular boot clamp off? It's inside a big metal frame. There's a small plate that sorta comes off at the bottom but you don't have any room.

I tried to spin the boot but there's a hose attached to it somehow. WTF. What the hell is that hose doing exactly? Looks like a ventilation hose. I guess I gotta go down and buy a big long pair of needle nose to get the clip off the hose so I can spin the boot I guess and somehow try to get the clamp off if I can get the clamp down towards the small opening. I'm just gonna zip tie the end of the boot after greasing it up. I'm not putting that stupid clamp on it.

The passenger side was a breeze, but the driver side is a pita.

'91 accord f22a4

 

if you are just trying to get the spring clip off that's about the diameter of a quarter, just turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left to access it, then pry it off the boot with a small flat screwdriver. install the circlip onto the new boot before installing it on the inner tire rod/gearbox. if you are trying to remove the metal band from the large end of the boot, it will have to be cut off. the air hose connects the two boots so that they stay sealed to the gearbox, but their air chambers are connected to transfer the air from the one that is compressed to the once that is extended. Keeps the air volume constant between the boots.

 

Are there torque specs on the castle nut or should I just tighten it down enough to get the cotter pin in there and leave it be? I'm afraid of tightening it so much that I wreck the ball joint.

 

spec is 29-35 ft-lbs. get it close and tighten further only to get the pin in. don't loosen. the tighter you get it, the harder it will be to separate the joint next time.

 

So did your boot breaks or split? Is that why you changing it or you just replacing the inner rod?

Thanks.