Elise S1 steering rack problem

[ringerz]

Hi everyone, I'm posting this on behalf of my technophobe father and am wondering if any of you knowledable lot can help.

My old man took his Elise S1 (98) for its MOT which it failed due to a split on the near-side steering rack boot. He then went and bought the replacement boot to be fitted at the garage. However the garage attempted to fit the replacement but were unable to do so - therefore my question is, are the garage just incompetant or is a specific tool from lotus required?

Cheers for any help.

[S Works]

Where in the UK are you mate? Someone will be able to guide you to a good local specialist who should be able to sort it.

[ringerz]

Hi, we're in Scunthorpe, N Lincs. Just spoke to lotus and they say the whole steering rack has to come out! So any recommendations would be great. Thanks

[fergusd]

Complete bollox, the garage are inept, I've replaced countless rack gaiters without removing the rack . . .

Fd

[ringerz]

Is that right? Spoke to JCT in Leeds and they "claimed" that the whole rack would have to come out.

I know this is a bit cheeky but would you be able to describe the procedure?

Thanks for your help.