The passenger side bellows is torn on my rack and pinion. I bought a new one and am going to replace the torn one tomorrow. My only question is that I am not familiar with the type of clamp that is used on the bellows(pic below). Do I need a special tool to tighten it down once I have the bellows in place or can I just do it by hand?



Also, I will be replacing both tie rod ends as well while Ive got the vehicle jacked up as they need it bad. I have seen enough tutorials on how to do that so I think Ill be okay.

Thanks for your help!

 

I think you can use a par of channel lock pliers.
They do make special pliers for the job.
http://www2.otctools.com/otctools.co...44AutoSpec.pdf

 

yeah those require a special crimper. I would personally save yourself the headache of trying to get channel locks or a pair of dikes on it to crimp and just get rid of that clamp and just use a worm gear clamp. You could also use a heavy duty zip tie just make sure it is really tight.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Ill give the channel lock method a try first and if that doesnt work Ill go the zip tie route.

 

Use dikes. It will grip it almost the same as that crimper.

 

Ill try that Mean Green. Thanks. I ran into a new problem with the tie rod end replacement on the drivers side. I cant get the new tie rod end to thread on. I get about 1/2 turn and it gets real tight. Im afraid to force it. I know I have the right part for my vehicle(Moog ES3571). The outer threads on the tie rod look fine as do the inner threads on the new tie rod end. Does anyone have any ideas?

*Edit* Ah crap. Looks like I messed up. The ES3571 are for the rear wheel drive Durango, not the 4 x 4. I guess Ill be returning these.