steering rack gaiters? ... then Mazda or some researching .. they are probably the same as lots of other cars .. I seem to remember you could get universal zip on kits like the driveshaft zip and glue kits.. a sample does wonders to your local motor factor (while a plastic bag performs temporary duty).

Track rod end boots? ... normally only available with the track rod ends .. although I have replaced these boots off new ball joints on one car where you need special tools to do the job .. in your case it is just a question of counting thread turns out and then getting the tracking redone if you are particular. .. again I suspect these may be motor factor items if you ask .. nothing rocket science about them.. (11/99)

A Universal gaiter is available at accessory shops. Works just the same as a Mazda one and unbelievably cheaper (for my 626 it was 4 vs 50 each). Don't bother with the glue together types (even if you can get them for steering - I know you can for drive shafts). You have to unscrew the track rod ends, though, so you'll need an alignment (at least) check afterwards. Probably time for a full geometry check anyway?

>Track rod end boots? ... normally only available with the track rod ends ..

There is a place in SW England that sells these (you have to know the two diameters of the holes - they're sold by size, not car model). Much cheaper than a new TRE. (11/99)

I think it easier to split the job into two stages.
1) You get the parts
2) Take them and the car to a local 'back street' garage to get it fitted (or do it yourself).

You should be able to get the bits (secondhand) from Ka Yu or Powerdrift. I think they both do mail order. This will be a lot cheaper than the price Mazda want. Then you should be able to get it fitted an any garage. I don't think they are hard to fit. miata.net seems to have a lot of good instructions about a lot of things.

I would then get a four wheel alignment done. If you have bent the steering then you must have hit something, this will have upset things. (I know of at least one Mazda garage that sends the car 'up the road' for a wheel alignment.) (4/00)

The roadster I am looking at has just had a report done on it. The report states that both Power Steering Rack Gators are leaking - one badly.

We are at loggerheads over what is now required - the engineer told me that without repair it was an MOT failure, and that it could NOT be repaired just by replacing the gators - apparently the steering rack is a sealed unit and would be time consuming and costly to strip down and repair any other seals etc that needed.

The cost of a new rack is around £650 + Labour VAT (Say £900 tot). Would anyone care to comment as to if a new rack would be needed (or not)??? (7/00)

The official workshop manual shows the boot to be an easily replaceable part without taking the steering rack out or apart ..

.. however the rack may be worn inside at the bearings if the car has been driven too long like this- normal practice is to condemn steering racks with duff gaiters even though in 90% of cases it is just the gaiters (hence the inspection technician's report...) .. this is subjective and needs to be tested for first by moving the rods that come out up and down .. if most people can feel the movement it is too much and the bearings need done ... i.e. new rack time ..to put a value on it .. say 0.5mm at the bearing if you can imagine that .. this would translate into a say .. 0.25mm movement at the mid point of the arm..

.. now as to if Mazda would sell you gaiters .. hard work for an import but you have to try ..alternatively fit some cheap nasty general aftermarket ones (take an original to a motor factor to compare).. however be aware the rubber used is normally cheaper than the OE stuff so they only last about 3 years before the sun/ozone kills them again.. (7/00)