I was tempted to give this thing 4 stars rather than 5, because if there was ever a product that called out for a video demonstration in the images section, this is it. Unfortunately, there isn't one and all you get are some written instructions. I'll give you my top 3 tips for installing it, which will hopefully help:
1) Buy the standard version of the bellows to look at alongside this one. This will cost a little bit extra, but serves at least 2 purposes: first, it's an insurance policy in case something goes wrong with this one or you just can't get it on (i.e. you can install the old one in the standard manner or you can attempt to force it through the cone that comes with the flexxboot, which may be possible). Second, you can use it to verify the size that you need to cut the Flexxboot to - trying to figure out the size by fitting it to the steering rack after it's on is inconvenient because you have limited clearance, and on the off chance that it doesn't fit, you'll end up in trouble since you'll have already cut the old boot off.
2) Use a good lubricant on both the installation cone and the inside of the boot (but don't get it on the outside since that will make it hard to grip). I used automatic transmission fluid, but engine oil would probably work okay as well.
3) Fold the boot in on itself during installation - this is part of the written instructions but I found it hard to understand. Essentially, you want to push the small end down inside the big end so you get that on the tie rod as early in the process as possible - if you put the large end on all the way first and then try to pull the small end through, it's quite a bit harder. You'll likely have to struggle with it for a few minutes before you figure out what works best.
4) Don't cut the old boot off until you've gotten this one up over the tie rod end - if you can't manage to get it on, or damage it in the process, you'll at least be no worse off than before you started, just put the tie rod end back in the steering knuckle and live to fight another day. If you cut the old boot off and then fail to get this one on, though, you'll have created a whole new urgency to the problem.
In the end, this worked for my '09 Toyota Sienna and enabled me to replace a broken bellows without worrying about getting an alignment, so this thing pays for itself several times over.
| Manufacturer | Astoria 2000 |
|---|---|
| Brand | FLEXX BOOT |
| Model | Fb4000 |
| Item Weight | 8.1 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 5.2 x 4.17 x 4.17 inches |
| Item model number | FB4000 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | FB4000 |
