Special Clamp for Inner Tie Rod Boot? Does it matter?

[YoshiMoshi3]

Does it really matter what kind of clamp I use on my rack and pinion for inner tie rod? 2020 Honda Accord.

The service information specifies how big the clamp should be etc.. Haven't seen something like this before. Sometimes I just cut them off and replace them with worm drive/screw drive clamps, so I can use them multiple times.

Does it really matter what kind of clamp I use? I know for example CV axle boots, you should use the same clamp, and make sure the crimp is in the same lcoation. But why does it mater for inner tie rod boot?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’ve seen people use zip ties on them too. I’ve also had many that have came with like a twist wire style clamp too. I don’t think the clamp really matters but you definitely want to put something there.

 

[jsaw]

Does not matter. Zip ties will work

 

[leadfoot415]

Old style hydraulic steering gears you can get away with a quality tight fitting zip tie. Newer vehicles with electronic (EPAS) gears that have the motor mounted directly to the gear, it is imperative they be properly resealed with the oem style clamp, typically oetiker/cv style.

Have replaced MANY ford epas gears due to incompetent mechanics not getting them sealed up after inner tie rod repairs. Water gets inside and turns it into a box of rocks.

 

[j3rf]

I prefer the correct clamp, but I am not you.

 

[djbmw]

The right tool with a bunch of clamps is less than $17 usd... just buy it

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

So basically if you just tighten it up to ensure water doesn't get in, your good to go?

Old style hydraulic steering gears you can get away with a quality tight fitting zip tie. Newer vehicles with electronic (EPAS) gears that have the motor mounted directly to the gear, it is imperative they be properly resealed with the oem style clamp, typically oetiker/cv style.

Have replaced MANY ford epas gears due to incompetent mechanics not getting them sealed up after inner tie rod repairs. Water gets inside and turns it into a box of rocks.

What was used to incorrectly seal it?

 

[djbmw]

So basically if you just tighten it up to ensure water doesn't get in, your good to go?


What was used to incorrectly seal it?

Its dust and dirt that you dont want in there... and worm clamps tend to cut the rubber boots... and zip ties dont grip enough.
A worm clamp can be used in a pinch... but if you took all that time to swap out inner and outter tie rods, as well as the boots,.. and do an alignment... why not just use the right clamp?

 

[nicks78camaro]

If it was my car I'd consider using proper ear style clamps. You can use something like this to tighten up the new ear style clamps.

https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/mobile/85-CV-Boot-Clamp-Pliers-with-Front-and-Side-Jaws-P287428.aspx?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23258619811&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrZTRBhDSARIsAHidYfdTf8ApXoVU_dKFT6_0A9W6qe1SqkX9g6LUIB-RxeFidfC_aQAP18kaAulTEALw_wcB

 

[drokihazan]

Most Land Rover boots come packaged with a plastic clamp that sort of snaps together, I squeeze the heads together with pliers. If that thing breaks, I use a $0.05 stainless zip tie pulled tight with pliers.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I found that the tools called out in the factory manual work best, and sometimes find them for low prices on eBay.

I bought the miller special tool called our for my Jeep and it is easy to use and works perfect every time.
This video link starts where I start using the tool.

I bought mine used on eBay years ago for about $35. I just looked and there is one on eBay for $44.
I assume this tool will work in your Honda, but you can check.

 

[leadfoot415]

So basically if you just tighten it up to ensure water doesn't get in, your good to go?


What was used to incorrectly seal it?

Zip ties, mechanics wire, nothing at all.

Unless using the proper clamp requires excessive amounts of access time to get at the gear, do it the oem way. A worm gear hose clamp can be used in a pinch like others have stated, it's not ideal though; just tighten carefully and try not to cut the boot.

 

[Wamsutta]

When only the best will do :

https://www.hazet.de/asset/download/31c06948-2209-48d7-a507-aac03b95d80b?

0791b837-d090-4463-b62a-234dd5c17629

 

[Johnny chaos]

I've used metal zip ties in the past in a pinch

 

[GTO]

To the OP, is the boot a hard plastic or is it rubber.
Of course all the CV boots are rubber ,but I remember the inner tie rod boots to be plastic.