It is necessary to monitor the condition of the cover, because if it is not tight, dirt gets into the ball joint of the traction rod and into the cavity of the mechanism, which can cause rapid wear of the parts.
Turn the steering wheel all the way in the direction opposite to the location of the cover being replaced.
We show the replacement of the left steering gear cover, we change the right cover in the same way.
Before disconnecting the steering rod and the rod end, mark their relative positions with a marker.
Loosen the tie rod end lock nut (see Replacing the tie rod end)…
…with a 13 mm wrench we unscrew the rod from the hole in the tip (counting the number of revolutions of the thrust), holding the tip from turning with a 19 mm wrench.
We unscrew the lock nut from the rod..
…and remove the clamp securing the cover to the rod.
By inserting a screwdriver blade into the lock of the clamp that secures the boot to the steering gear housing, we loosen the lock or cut the clamp with side cutters.
We remove the damaged cover from the steering rod.
Before installing a new cover, check the condition of the ball joint of the steering rod. If the joint is badly worn (play in the hinge) or it gets stuck - the rod needs to be replaced with a new one.
We install the cover in the reverse order and secure it to the body with a new clamp.
We screw the rod into the hole of the tip, focusing on the previously applied marks or on the number of turns of the rod determined when unscrewing it from the tip. We tighten the lock nut of the steering rod tip.
After replacing the steering gear cover, it is necessary to check and, if necessary, adjust the wheel alignment on a special stand at a service station.
(The original text can be found on the website chevyman.ru)