N-908-349-01 Genuine VW/Audi Inner Steering Rack Boot Clamp

Genuine VW/Audi inner steering rack boot clamp, part number N-908-349-01. This original band clamp retains the large inner end of the rack boot at the rack housing on the configurations below. One clamp is supplied.

Technical details

• Original number: N-908-349-01 / N90834901.
• Assigned position: inner/large end of the steering rack boot.
• Band clamp with a closure ear visible in the original archive image.
• Rack boot, outer clamp, tie rod and steering rack are separate.

The rack boot protects the enclosed steering components from road dirt and moisture. The inner clamp holds the boot at its assigned housing connection. Correct boot seating and clamp installation help maintain that protective enclosure.

This is steering rack boot hardware. It is distinct from the small outer boot clamp and from the clamps used on a drive axle CV boot. Match the original number and actual rack arrangement instead of selecting solely by appearance or band diameter.

Common reasons to replace

Replacement may be needed when the rack boot is removed during inner tie rod, boot or steering rack service. Renew the clamp where the factory procedure requires new hardware. Replace a missing clamp, damaged band, deformed closure or corrosion that prevents reliable retention.

A loose clamp can allow the boot to move at its housing seat. Inspect the boot and attachment before reassembly, including any damage from prior work or an unsuitable substitute clamp.

Dirt or moisture inside the boot, a split bellows or a displaced boot requires inspection of the complete protective arrangement and enclosed components. A new clamp cannot repair a torn boot or reverse damage to the steering joint.

Steering looseness, knocking or fluid inside the boot requires diagnosis of the tie rod, rack and surrounding steering components. This clamp does not repair a worn joint or an internal rack fault. Correct the diagnosed defect before closing the boot.

Installation and service notes

Follow the factory steering rack and boot procedure for the exact vehicle. Support the vehicle at its prescribed lifting points and complete the required access steps before disturbing the steering assembly.

Inspect the boot, housing seat and related components. Keep contaminants away from the open steering assembly. Position the correct boot fully at its specified inner seating surface and preserve any venting arrangement required by the factory procedure.

Install the original clamp using the prescribed band-clamp tool and closure method. Do not twist the band, damage the boot or substitute an improvised clamp that interferes with nearby components.

Follow the specified closure and seating requirements for this exact attachment. The part number does not establish a universal crimp measurement or tool setting. Use the applicable repair instructions rather than copying an axle-boot clamp procedure.

Confirm the clamp is seated evenly and the boot is retained without cuts, pinching or distortion. Check the required clearance as the steering moves through its prescribed range. Select the separately specified outer clamp if that attachment was also disturbed.

Complete the required steering and alignment checks after tie rod or rack work. A properly retained boot does not replace the need to verify steering adjustment following service.

This listing supplies one original inner clamp, not a complete rack boot kit. Select the boot and other repair components separately.

Fitment

Confirm original N90834901 at the inner rack boot connection before ordering. One clamp supplied.