| A tale of a small part and large consequences. | |
By Eric van Spelde
Editor in Chief, ReMaTecNews Online
Anyone rebuilding automotive components can tell stories about how much cost pressure has been applied to system suppliers over the past decade or so. Our disposable incomes haven't exactly soared in most parts of the world, and we all want 'more' car for our money - more safety and comfort systems, more space, better performance... Ever tightening environmental regulations ensure that engines and fuel systems tend to be a lot more advanced and costly than before.
All this, for the same or less money - allowing for inflation - means something will have to give.
Often, that 'something' is small and seemingly inconsequential - like the rubber boots on the end of steering racks. Except that nowadays, they're seldom made of rubber anymore - the vast majority of manufacturers has long switched to cheaper, plastic boots.
Why does this matter? "Plastic boots are always loose on the clamped end," says Edwin Roozing of rebuilder Auto Elect Hydroline as he effortlessly spins a plastic boot around the rack and track rod end, even though it's secured to the rack with a jubilee clip and with a tie-wrap at the track rod end. "As a result, they won't seal as well as proper ones."
Next he takes a rubber boot and exerts a significant turning force on it with his hand. The boot deforms, but stays put.
The steering racks in the opening picture are from a fairly recent, mid-sized saloon from a European brand that prides itself on its 'sporting heart' and positions itself more or less at the premium end of the market. The track rod ends are quite short, which means the steering rack itself protrudes well into the inner wheelwells - a more hostile environment for the inner surfaces of a steering housing and the rack itself can hardly be imagined. The problem is compounded by the plastic boots posing little resistance to moisture ingress. As a result, the racks on the picture are now rendered non-rebuildable.
The good news is that while the OE supplier has made an expensive mistake for the consumer by using a cheap part, you don't have to. Quality boots will cost less than a euro a piece if you buy enough of them - small beer compared to the cost and reputation damage associated with comebacks...
Editor in Chief, ReMaTecNews Online
Anyone rebuilding automotive components can tell stories about how much cost pressure has been applied to system suppliers over the past decade or so. Our disposable incomes haven't exactly soared in most parts of the world, and we all want 'more' car for our money - more safety and comfort systems, more space, better performance... Ever tightening environmental regulations ensure that engines and fuel systems tend to be a lot more advanced and costly than before.
All this, for the same or less money - allowing for inflation - means something will have to give.
Often, that 'something' is small and seemingly inconsequential - like the rubber boots on the end of steering racks. Except that nowadays, they're seldom made of rubber anymore - the vast majority of manufacturers has long switched to cheaper, plastic boots.Why does this matter? "Plastic boots are always loose on the clamped end," says Edwin Roozing of rebuilder Auto Elect Hydroline as he effortlessly spins a plastic boot around the rack and track rod end, even though it's secured to the rack with a jubilee clip and with a tie-wrap at the track rod end. "As a result, they won't seal as well as proper ones."
Next he takes a rubber boot and exerts a significant turning force on it with his hand. The boot deforms, but stays put.
The steering racks in the opening picture are from a fairly recent, mid-sized saloon from a European brand that prides itself on its 'sporting heart' and positions itself more or less at the premium end of the market. The track rod ends are quite short, which means the steering rack itself protrudes well into the inner wheelwells - a more hostile environment for the inner surfaces of a steering housing and the rack itself can hardly be imagined. The problem is compounded by the plastic boots posing little resistance to moisture ingress. As a result, the racks on the picture are now rendered non-rebuildable.
The good news is that while the OE supplier has made an expensive mistake for the consumer by using a cheap part, you don't have to. Quality boots will cost less than a euro a piece if you buy enough of them - small beer compared to the cost and reputation damage associated with comebacks...
