[Guide] Replacing Tie Rod and Control arm - picture guide

Wow!...that is a comprehensive guide...but not a DIY I will ever attempt.

taiguy said:

Here's the album with photos and text.

Gen 4 Subaru Outback - Tie Rod and Control Arm - Imgur

Click to expand...

Really nice!

The only thing I would caution you against is using zip ties for the boots instead of the proper clamp. It likely won't last and you will get a bunch of dirt in there before you know it.

RobMunach said:

Really nice!

The only thing I would caution you against is using zip ties for the boots instead of the proper clamp. It likely won't last and you will get a bunch of dirt in there before you know it.

Click to expand...

Ideally I'd have access to a keystone clamp and OEM band. However, even the tech at my dealer told me they don't do that. They use zip ties as well due to the steering rack being completely encased. I *might* be able to get a standard hose clamp on and get a screw driver from the side (where the zip tie end was poking out). Will probably check it in a few thousand miles.

RobMunach said:

Really nice!

The only thing I would caution you against is using zip ties for the boots instead of the proper clamp. It likely won't last and you will get a bunch of dirt in there before you know it.

Click to expand...

...that would be just common sense...to put it back on the way you found it...if you're going to use zip ties...might as well pull out the duct tape too...lol

taiguy said:

Ideally I'd have access to a keystone clamp and OEM band. However, even the tech at my dealer told me they don't do that. They use zip ties as well due to the steering rack being completely encased. I *might* be able to get a standard hose clamp on and get a screw driver from the side (where the zip tie end was poking out). Will probably check it in a few thousand miles.

Click to expand...

I had to use those Oetiker type clamps alot in my environmental engineering days. nice clamps, but not so nice if you ain't got the proper tool. Should be able to source a skinny hose clam somewhere.
You would think if zip ties were adequate, they would be there from the factory as saving a few cents per car adds up.

Holy s*, you the tai-man.
Nice write-up. Do you change your own oil and filters?

FYI - if you wanted to buy your own clamp tool. I think i'm going to go the hose clamp route.

Thank you! Should both be done at same time?

Hey taiguy,
You were having the same issue I am having now. Not much on this subject for some reason, but it is near impossible to slip the far end of the inner tie rod boot over the lip of the steering rack. I wanted to know if you had any pointers for this as you did not mention it on the imgur.
At first, I thought it just buds up against the lip and then I tried the ziptie method before looking any of the up. But it didn't do much, so I then was able to reuse the metal clamp on the original boot. But after reassembling everything the boot slipped right off.
Any help would be great!
Thanks,
VIn

Blast from the past!

Sorry, it's been so long I don't quite recall.

Thanks anyways,
I'll just try to use a heat gun to stretch it out a bit, I guess.

I did this to me Gen 5 last week. A top tip for getting the boot seated on the steering rack (very difficult to get a hand in there and leverage it on) is to use the steering itself. Have the outside of the boot seated in it's groove with the clamp in place, turn on the car and crank the steering all the way the other direction. The force of the steering seats the boot for you. It worked flawlessly on both sides.

Thanks Peep, I'll give that a try.
I did something similar, though. When installing, I turned the wheel in the direction of the side I am working on and that gives me more of the tie rod to play with. After I clamped the outer side in the groove I turned the wheel to the other side so I wouldn't have to stretch the boot so much.
This did not seat the boot, as it worked for you, but maybe while I test drove it last night it was forced into place.
I'll take a look later.