Rack n Pinion boot clamp help/suggestions

2003 Toyota Tacoma DBL Cab PreRunner 3.4l / Auto
Approximately 150,000 miles

I'm in the process of replacing the inner and outer tie rods while in lock down. Waiting on the replacement parts from LowRangeOffRoad.
In anticipation of the parts being delivered I removed the outer tie rod, but I destroyed the bellows clamp that secures it to the rack (pic below).
I really don't want to have to buy an expensive tool to remove/replace so is there a trick to this or are you guys using a different type of clamp?
Much Appreciated!!

Toyota replacement boot clamp part no.: 90460-62006 x 2
Pics of the original inner tie rod

 

If $30 is expensive.........

 

What tool do you recommend? I went to Amazon but it's confusing looking for the right band clamp tool, but there are several different ones to choose from.

 

You know what, disregard my last.

I remember reading about the clamp being the same style used on a cv axle.

I bought the cv axle tool and used it on my extra parts and figured I'd use the same tool for my steering.

Works well but I've yet to try it on anything else other than the axles.

Its this one -

 

Appreciate your help.

 

Only tool needed is a pair of pliers. No bending or crimping.

Study pic and your new clamp. Squeeze at the little hooks/tabs and lift the end off the inner hook (black arrow) with a pic or little screwdriver.

 

I think I see water spots on your rack.

 

I'll be taking care of that later today.

 

I was able to get them off without destroying them but I can see how it can happen. I used a large pair of channel locks in combination with a flat head screwdriver. Here's a video that would help people get the job done of replacing their inner and outer tie rods.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/--HcOQlv03U

 

I've been using good quality black tie wraps. Lasted ok for me and no rusting.

 

Those water spots are embarrassing...

 

This is a little better

 

I used big zip ties on my last rack. Worked great.

 

I have been running a ~$2 hose clamp for more than a decade.

All it does is hold the boot on. The rack itself has seals that keep the PS fluid inside.

Hell, I have a hose clamp holding one of my CV boots on and guess wheat: it hasn't exploded.

 

When I had the need to clamp I used a toggle switch, The built-in quick action mechanism can turn them on or off in one quick motion, and the lever system of pivot pins and levers increases the force applied.

 

I did it this way too but it took some patience… and a few expletives.

 

Am I the only one using zip ties?

 

When I had the need to clamp I used a toggle switch, The built-in quick action mechanism can turn them on or off in one quick motion, and the lever system of pivot pins and levers increases the force applied. By the way, Once engaged, the toggle clamp is virtually locked in place. I know that tumbler clamps https://www.sandfieldengineering.com/toggle-clamps/ are used in a multitude of media and applications, including automotive plants, food production, engine testing, and ammunition production. If there's a common theme, it's the challenge of finding a reliable but flexible method of holding a piece of work in a manufacturing process or application.

 

I used those metal ones but yeah, same idea. Much easier to remove than that OEM clamp that requires a special tool.

Been rocking them for almost 2 years since I did the inner tie rods and no issues.