Its a rubber boot of some sort its on the end of the tie rod on top its leaking grease and its sqashed as you can see in the picture, what is it called and can the rubber boot be replaced? if so is there better than OEM replacement for this part? i outlined the part im talking about
Thanx
I'm gonna have to say no on replacing just the boot so you'd need the whole tie rod end. IIRC somewhere in the $40-45 range from advance or autozone.
is the boot ripped? If not, it means there was too much grease added last time it was lubed. That's a grease fitting for the outer tie rod ends.
If it's torn, you need a new tie rod end. If not, it may have just had too much grease put in.
there is definatley something wrong with it, it looks different than the outher side, would that affect alighnment?
Double posting is badd.
Semper Fi SAINT. May you rest in peace.
Knight Rider wrote:there is definatley something wrong with it, it looks different than the outher side, would that affect alighnment?
not really, the rubber part is a boot that covers whats under it from getting wet, and doubles as holding grease. If the otherside is different, then post a picture of that as well.
If the tie rod end is shot (the part inside the rubber boot) then yes, your alignment could be affected. If there's play there, that's bad.
You'll be able to tell if it's torn or just leaking around the edges. It's not sealed at the edges.
If it's torn you have to replace the whole thing. <$25 at Napa (P# MRC ES3374)
You'll need an alignment after it's replaced (toe will be off) on just that wheel. If you replace this yourself, easy to do with just a socket set and a hammer, make sure you take it in for an alignment and tell them
exactly what you did and why it needs the alignment (they'll be less likely to screw it up).
there ARE tie rod replacement boots made by many complanies including most companies that make urethane bushings, however even though they are replacements, SOME dont fare as well as stock pieces due to the lack of a band that kinda acts like a belt to the pants for keeping it on.
but there are tie rod end boots available for replacement as they are universal. you have to find a decent tight fit for it to work.
http://energysuspension.com/pages/tierboots.html
keep it greased once you get it replaced
