Damaged Steering Rack Boots

[Island boy HSV]

Just got my car back from having all the fluids changed and the mechanic has noticed that the steering rack boots have partially melted. The problem is the HSV exhaust is so hot that the top of both boots has melted. The solution is to get some new boots and put on some high temperature insulation round them. I have had a quick look on the LS1 forum in Australia and at least one guy has has the same problem with a VX Clubsport R8. It might be worth a quick check if you have a VX, I don't know if it affects any other models.

[Crazy of Cookham]

Hi yes I should have posted I had mine replaced last year on MOT. Only one went but replaced both. Not too bad for 5 years.

It would be great if we could all post a list of likely faults.

So far far mine in 5 years has just been.

Exhaust ( mainly as a result of end modifications)
Speedo circuit adaptor.
Stearing boots.
Brakes & Discs (front).
Battery
Radio

I think that it I will look through invoices to jog memmory.

[pomona]

My O/S boot went inside 2 years.fitted a new one and then lagged the exhaust in the rack area with high temp exhaust tape. Seems ok to date.N/S has been ok

[sid447]

Guys,

ALL VT to VY model Commodores and Monaros, if fitted with 4-into-1 and Tri-Y exhaust manifolds......WILL burn through the steering rack boots.
4-into-1's have worse problem.
Ceramic-coating helps a lot, but will still burn through.

Best prevention is to fit heatshields to the mounting bolts of the steering rack or heat resistant tubing to slide over the boots.

--- Sid447 ---

[island boy hsv]

I received the Pacemaker heat shield the other day; they cost $39 and bolt straight on. Car booked in to get new boots and heat shields on Wednesday next, so should be sorted.

The faults I have had since March this year.

1) Serpentine Belt
2) Steering Rack Boots

[motomk]

[quote]I received the Pacemaker heat shield the other day; they cost $39 and bolt straight on. Car booked in to get new boots and heat shields on Wednesday next, so should be sorted.

The faults I have had since March this year.

1) Serpentine Belt
2) Steering Rack Boots
[/quote]

For info...Belts are about $40

[jagsy]

Duncan - can you please give more details on the heat shields???

[island boy hsv]

The heat shields are called are made by Pacemaker and described as Steering boot heat shields, they are normally supplied with new Pacemaker extractors. They are approximately 3inches by 4 inches and bolt straight onto the steering rack using one of the existing bolts. They are of woven construction and cover the area where my old boots melted plus a bit more.