I was trying to find out if I can just replace my inner tir rod or if I have to replace the whole rack?

I have a 1/4 inch of play on my driver side wheel and its leaking a little from the inner tie rod.

I is a 97 civic ex.

 

Inner tie-rods are replaceable. I don't know what it takes to get them off with the rack in the car, though I'm sure it's possible. Is it leaking power steering fluid or is it just grease coming out of the boot? If it's leaking power steering fluid that means the racks shot.

 

Im not sure if it was leaking grease or fluid it actually stopped leaking lately. its been like this for a while. I finally got the money to fix it and a friend told me it may just need inner tie rods. I dont understand though where the play comes from is there a bushing that goes out in the end of it or is it a metal swivel that wears out?

 

Inner tie-rods have a ball and socket type joint, similar to ball joints, just bigger. When they go bad the socket starts to get deformed and no longer holds the ball in a steady position, allowing play and generally crappy driving.

 

dude its much muche easier to replace the whole rack. plus its all brand new parts