Steering rack gaitors

[JonBoy]

Just had the front wheels off my `97 elise and discovered that the rack gaitors are completely knackered - its just starting to go a bit rusty underneath.
I'm planning on fitting new gaitors myself, but i'm wondering:
(i)Is there much risk there has been dangerous (ie life threatening) damage done to the rack? It all feels pretty tight still. Don't want hassle/expense of replacing unless absolutley necessary!
(ii)Should the new seals be filled with some sort of oil/grease? If so, what type?
Any advise greatly appreciated
Cheers
JonBoy

[135sport]

The rack is a bit of weak point on the Elise.

I had an advice from the MOT on mine at 24k miles.

Fortunately (???) I smacked the Elise up and had to get a new rack fitted anyway.

I would imagine that if the gaitors have split, then muck and dirt will have got in, so some damage / wear will have occurred.

I think it might be best to get your friendly dealer / specialist check to see how much wear there is. If you go and replace the gaitors and then get advised to change the rack because of wear you have just wasted your time and effort. Plus they will advise what and how much grease to apply.

[JonBoy]

Wise words,
Due for service, so got dealer to check rack - they reckoned it was well past the point of no return so got a new one. Ouch. Bread&water only for next 12 months

Jonboy

[fergusd]

If there's corrosion inside the rack then it's probably at the stage where it is contaminated and will fail . . . how long is difficult to say.

It my be worthwhile putting a recon rack in while you have the old rack out . . save yourself the labour of removing it again . . .

Fd