Steering rack removal/ access

[Tee5alive]

Hi folks

I had to replace one of the inner tie rods to attempt the MOT. I bought a pair of new boots but the poxy clips they supplied are awful and no way can i get it tightened within the confined space they leave above the sub frame!!

They are just flat metal 'tapes' with a slot at one end. The idea is to pull it up tight like a slip knot and its supposed to lock......it doesnt! I told the MOT tester this with a request to please do up the clamp on their big sky lift car lifter thing. Instead of that he jist failed it telling me "the whole rack is loose falling out of the car!" Lol i later checked the rack after he told me it was 'missing bolts' discovering he had BS'd me and robbed me of £45 for nothing!

No way do i drive cars with loose steering racks, the bloke was young and a new tester ( basically I think he should go back to MOT school and LEARN ABOUT CARS)

Can anyone point me to any threads with tips HOW to do up gaiter clips in a space only Action Man can get his hand into please? I have been looking online for the Volvo standard clips you squeeze with pliers to open, put over the boot and release clamping the boot. Sadly i can only find WIDE Mondeo ones and the groove in the steering boot is only about 6mm.

Im really assed off at the MOT station for failing on this after specifically ASKING them to clamp the boot and I would pay. i also spent hours sorting the handbrake to a good gripping position with another proviso asking them to 'adjust the handbrake on your equipment if needed'. They did not and failed it on that telling me BIG INTAKE OF BREATH ooooooohh MATE we wouldnt touch Volvo handrakes they are a real B*****D!"

Not going there again !!! Any help gratefully received please my beauty is sat in my garage when she should be out with her top off!!!