rack boot ripped again - a little rust on rack shaft, advice, grease?

[clydesdale]

This happened one other time and I got incredibly lucky. I am hoping lightning will strike twice and I do not wreck this rack. The boot split and the shaft has some rust. Just like the last time, I noticed that the steering was a little stiffer. I took a peek and saw the split and rust. I will change the boot this weekend. Should I use a scotchbrite on the shaft and put a little grease on it?

[AndrewBird]

Probably a good idea to remove the rust and apply some kind of lube. Does the rack leak at all? How bad is the rust?

[clydesdale]

Does not leak at all, yet. I did not get a great look, but there is certainly rust. I ordered a boot, put saran wrap over it and parked it until the boot gets in. I'll clean up the rust a bit and grease and hope for the best.