Loose column boot on power steering rack, how to snap back on and concerns?

See the attached photo below. While performing some other general maintenance, I noticed what appears to be a plastic boot slightly dislodged over the joint where the steering column attaches to the steering rack.

I couldn't quite get it back on from the top, and haven't yet tried from underneath, but a couple quick questions:

1) How hard and effective is it going to be to "snap" this boot back on?

2) Is is a big deal that the boot has been in this "half off" state for who knows how long, and if so should I take any action to mitigate any damage (such as lubrication of some sort)?

Thanks
Al






.

That's the Steering Intermediate Shaft dust boot. It connects directly to the column, goes through the bulkhead, and attaches to the Steering Rack. All it's there for is to keep the dust/road debris out of the joints. You can try to snap it back into place, but it isn't going to be easy. That thing, over time, gets a "memory" to it, and it's a giant PITA to move.

It certainly isn't a bad idea to put it back in its place. It sure beats having to deal with a worn out I-shaft. Either way, I-shaft and/or boot replacement requires Steering Column removal. If you've got Gumby arms and hands, I still wish you luck.

Al, howd this turn out?

Haven't made the effort yet