I am looking for some guidance on how to replace the boot on my power steering slave cylinder. Turning the nut spins the entire cylinder so do you need to use a pipe wrench to hold it or is there some other trick? Once you get the nut off is it easy to compress the cylinder install the new boot and bushings?

Obviously I have never done this before so I appreciate those of you who are willing to share some advice. Thanks.

 

i used vice grips on the shaft. but up close by the bracket where there is no travel on the inside of the cylinder. so incase you make some teeth marks, it doesnt interfere with anything. and once the boot is on, just slide it back so you can grab the shaft again.

 

The end of the shaft just beyond the nut is GENERALLY machined or swedged to allow a wrench (small) or a pair of pliers to be used to prevent turning. You have to look closely at the end. Best regards. John--Las Vegas.

 

Thanks for everyone's feedback!

 

They make a special socket to fit the flats on the ends of shocks that you can probably use to hold the flats on the ram shaft. My boot had a strap tie on it as well to keep it on the cylinder body. A little silicone on the inside of the boot end before you slip it over the cyl will help it stay in place once cured-BTW