I just replaced the outer tie rod end on my Accord and noticed that the accordian-looking boot on the inner tie rod is broken. Just to play it safe I would like to replace the inner tie rods as well as the boots. I've watched several videos on the topic, but they say that you need a special tool to remove them. Do I really need that specific tool to remove it or is it possible to do it without it? I read somewhere that channel locks work as well. I've never done it before and will be doing it by myself so I would appreciate some input. Tips/advice will also be nice! Thanks in advance!

 

Any input?

 

I just ordered a set for mine. Looks like a large crescent wrench, channel locks or a pipe wrench will do it. If not I will find out soon enough

 

I did not need the tool on my del sol. the steering rack has a flat spot for you to hold it with a regular wrench. i used a large adjustable. make sure to get new lock washer (should come with the part).

 

Thanks guys! I also noticed that there is a white plastic looking tube that's attached to it. Anyone know what that is and if there's a certain way of removing it?

 

Not sure if you mean the racks' bellows
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1005410

 

That's one of the parts that I need, but that's not the tube that I'm talking about. It's a small white rubber tube. I'll see if I can take a picture of it.

 

Is that white piece inside the steering rack..? Like behind the inner tie rod..? Than that's like a bushing for where the piston from the rack and tie rod end meet... Im not sure if you can replace that, but i know you can replace the boots if you want, w/o replacing the inner tie rod....

 

correct, honda calls them "tie rod stopper". they are cheap, might as well replace them. but probably not necessary

 

My car has 121k miles now, bought it with 97k, and there's no indication that anything has been replaced on this car since OEM. The car sat for some years before I got my hands on it. Would it make sense to replace the inner tie rods since I replaced the outer tie rod ends already? The boot is cracked and I know I don't need to replace the tie rod to replace the boot, but should I just replace it now that way it'll be out of the way for at least another 121k miles? Lol

 

if there is any play in the tie rod then replace it. otherwise just grease it up and put a new boot on.

 

The rule of thumb that I learned from this site;

If the inner tie rod shaft will not stay where you put it when disconnected from the outer tie rod, (if it falls when you let go of it), then replace them.

 

i disagree. the inner tie rod is a ball socket, it should move all around freely. as long as there is no play (in and out side to side) then i'd say its fine. this is easiest to check while everything is still assembled.

fro example, my del sol has 172k and i replaced the inner rods b/c of a misdiagnosis. they were still in good shape. as long as the rack boots are maintained, the inner rods can last quite some time.

 

Good info. Just repeating what I have read here. I am replacing mine at 116k because I have changed all of the other parts. At around 30 bucks per side it is not a huge expense to handle. Plus I want everything new prior to lowering and re-algning.

 

can't hurt to have new parts. make sure to use a quality brand, either OEM or Moog. I used a generic part from Advanced auto and it went bad within 9 months.