[tyssniffen]

well, just happened to notice the tie rod boot is ripped. (that's what that is, correct?) and, while I haven't felt anything super wrong with the steering, I probably just need to go get a new set, correct? and do both sides?

Should I get the whole thing, or just the 'inner tie rod' and do those usually come with a boot?

Does anyone have strong feelings about brand of replacement part? if so, please let me know where to get all this.

 

[Andrew Claus]

It's the rack and pinion bellows, this part. If the other side passes inspection, I wouldn't bother replacing it. I'd carefully check the rest of the steering gear though, including struts, wheel bearings, control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. If you replace anything, you'll need an alignment.

 

[Toad442]

You can get (just) steering rack boots. If you have any fluid in your boot now, the rack is leaking and will need a replacement. Replacements come with boots and inner tie rods.

 

[tyssniffen]

It's the rack and pinion bellows, this part. If the other side passes inspection, I wouldn't bother replacing it. I'd carefully check the rest of the steering gear though, including struts, wheel bearings, control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. If you replace anything, you'll need an alignment.

Thanks for this. I don't FEEL anything wrong with anything else, but given that the tie rods have to come off to replace this boot/bellows, does it make sense to just get new tie rod ends at this point as well? on one hand, I'd like to be proactive, but I also don't want to mess with anything if it's working.

 

[tyssniffen]

You can get (just) steering rack boots. If you have any fluid in your boot now, the rack is leaking and will need a replacement. Replacements come with boots and inner tie rods.

a replacement of 'the rack and pinion' + boot? like this? seems like if the tie rod is off, I should just do the whole thing, right? $60 for both complete seems like an easy choice...

 

[Toad442]

If the inners aren't bad, don't replace them. Just slide on the boot. Radiator (worm gear) clamps are fine for securing the large end of the boot.

 

[Toad442]

The inners will require a special tool to remove. Then you have to set the anti-"unscrew" device. I have no idea what that device looks like without the part in hand.

 

[Doodah Dave]

Its hard to tell in the picture ,But it looks wet. It should be dry inside the Boot. If it is wet the Rack should be replaced.

 

[tyssniffen]

just a follow up here - shop says I need a new rack and pinion. yay.

 

[Toad442]

just a follow up here - shop says I need a new rack and pinion. yay.

In that case, it sounds like the rack seals are shot. Have the shop replace the rack. This will come with new inner tie rods. Might as well spend the extra few buck to have the outters replaced too. Alignment is a must.

 

[stevenva]

Many states will fail safety for bad rack n pinion bellows boots. Virginia is one. You can avoid an alignment if you use these boots.

STRETCH Steering Rack Boot (Rakboot) | PTW Australia