Techs-

I replaced the outer/inner tie rod ends with these ebay ones:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/270937026251?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D270937026251%26_rdc%3D1
It's nearly 10 months since I have replaced them.

Yesterday, I was rotating the tires, when I saw that both outer tie rods boots are cracked/ripped off, should I be worried about them or no? Because when I replaced tie rods, did get '4' new tires with alignment.

Also, another thing; Rack/Pinion boot which is attached with the inner tie rod has a big crack in the boot, on both driver/passenger side.

Should I replace the boots or continue driving like this?

Looking for help and advice

 

I would replace the boots. Otherwise water and dirt will get into them and ruin the tie rods and rack. Replacing them is not all that hard and will save you a lot later. Also, use Honda parts.

 

How can I just replace the boots for the outer tie rods? I tried replacing the Rack/Pinion boot, it's a PITA, so left it

Any advice or help?

 

Just take the tie rod end off the steering knuckle and replace the boot.

 

"Fitz" - just hope the aftermarket tie rods are the same as the OE....meaning, can you find replacement boots for the aftermarket tie rods....they my not be the same size or clamp on like the OE.

"faran" - I'd get a "good" set of outer tie rods (Moog is my pref but check the price compared to OE). Also get the need bellows, I have found the dealer is the best place so that might help on which tie rod(s) to get.

When you take the outer tie rod off. Cut the metal inner clamp on the bellows, then the small end is a "spring/wound" type clamp....with a small screw driver you can remove it, kind of "unwind" it off the bellows. Remove the vent tube, remove the bellows. Install in reverse, I've used zip ties for the large end of the bellows with good luck.

 

Honestly, this is the first time, I am cursing aftermarket suspension parts, it's less than a year and both are shot!

What you mean by bellows?

Thanks for the reply.

 

The bellow is the inner tie rod boot. Just get another set of inner and outer tie rods along with the inner tie rod boots. Take off the outer tie-rods ball joint on both sides. You need to do this to test the inner tie-rods. After separating the outer ball joints from the knuckle, grab the tie rod itself and raise it up. It should hold in the high position. If so, you just need to replace the boot on the inner tie rod and regrease it(I assume you greased it the first time like you're supposed to). If the tie rod falls when you raise it up, just replace it with the parts you bought. After doing this obvious you will need to get another alignment. IF this was within 6 months, some places will do another alignment for free, assuming you don't volunteer that you replaced suspension parts.

You can get any parts from any auto store that isn't Mevotech. Stay away from Mevotech. I can not be any more clear on that.

 

Didn't think about that. I just always bought Honda parts.

 

Thanks for the detailed feedback and reply.

Any issue if I be driving like this? If outer tie rods and inner tie rods have ripped boots, is it dangerous to drive like this?

How expensive DIY would it be to replace all '4' tie rods and '2' boots?

 

What happens is the grease leaks out over time and as you turn the steering wheel over time there is no protection against friction in the inner tie rod. It takes a while for the grease to leak out and then it will break down, again taking a little while to present a problem. However, with that said the last thing you want is the inner tie rod to break and you can't control your wheels.

If you do it yourself you will just need to rent an inner tie rod tool from an auto parts store like autozone for free. You pay for the tool up front and get the money back when you take it back. It's simply a tool that slides around the inner tie rod and you use a half inch ratchet to undo. The parts will be like $60 or so for either side. You will need to pick up a pack of zip ties to tie the boot around the inner tie rod and steering rack after you regrease the boot with axle grease to keep a nice tight fit that will keep the grease inside the boot. There is a hose that goes from the right side to the left side inner tie rod that helps to keep the same amount of air in the inner tie rod boots when you turn the steering wheel from side to side. You will see it when you try to take the boots off. There will just be a small clamp that you need to take off, try not to break it.

 

As an added tip to separate the outer tie rod from the knuckle you can pick up a Pittman Puller.

 

I am definitely planning to do it right and again these both inner/outer tie rods and steering boots.

Any recommendations for any specific brand for the tie- rods?

 

Also keep in mind that the absolute LAST thing you want is to damage the steering rack, so don't wait to long to fix the boots.

 

These steering boots are like $20 each side at local auto parts store.

Any other recommendation to buy the boots?

 

You can't go wrong with just about any brand EXCEPT Mevotech. Do not buy anything with the Mevotech brand on it.

rockauto.com is the best place to buy, as long as you don't need the parts tomorrow or the next day. do a google search for "rock auto coupon code" before you buy to save money.

 

Thanks very much, I didn't realize that I have Mevotech too

I do not need the parts tomorrow, I have heard that I can replace the bellow without removing the tie rod end from the knuckle, any idea how can I do it?

I replaced both inner and outer tie rods, less than 1 year ago with these Mevotech ones and now repenting

 

I experience the same thing you did with Autozone tie rods and ball joints. The rubber didn't even last a year...

I switched to OEM and they were less that Autozone.

 

How would you possibly get the boot to slide on over the inner tie-rod without removing the outer tie-rod ? lol

 

I don't know, that's why thought should ask the Pro's

How much the OEM was djkurious?

 

I pulled the outer and inner tie rods for both sides, they both are GONE!

Now, planning to replace both inner and outer ones with these drive works from Advance:

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...p2HomeClicked=

Any feedback or experience with these ones?

I don't want to go CHEAP this time and have to do all the work and Alignment again

Please Help and advise.

 

Any advise or input for replacing the bellow/inner tie-rod? Since that's a PITA

 

Doesn't Energy Suspension make poly red covers that protect them? Thats what i may get when i get my ends done to protect them

 

I already told you how to do it. You're going to get a bit dirty. On the driver side there is a plate that you need to remove to get access. This is going to take about an hour and a half/two hours per side for a firsttimer.

That driveworks brand looks a bit bizarre. If you want the best and have time just order all Moog products from rockauto. You can't go wrong.

One more thing I forgot to tell you is that you need to get a small grease gun from a parts store. The outer tie rod will come with a small metal piece. You will need to hand thread that into the bottom of the outer tie rod and hook up the grease gun to it and shoot it with some grease into it. Like I said in my previous how-to post in this thread you will need to grease the inside of the bellow boot.

Also, count the amount of times that you rotate the outer tie rod as you take it off, after you undo the lock nut that rests in between the outer tie rod and the inner tie rod that locks them in place. You will need to twist off the outer tie rod and you will want to twist the new one on the same amount of times so that your alignment is somewhat the same. But even so you will need an alignment after you do both tie-rods no matter what.

Don't forget to use zip ties to tie up the ends of the boots so that the greast doesn't come out. I usually zip tie each side of each boot twice at 180 degree differences on the boot to keep it tight.

 

Thanks for helping and rescuing me

I have bought these drive works one, because they have Lifetime warranty on them, if they go wrong will just return and get the new ones

I am definitely going to get the Alignment, planning to do it over the weekend.

I have already removed the outer/inner tie rods and booth boots and now car is on Jack stands till the weekend.

I have bought Blue thread locker too, for the inner tie rods

For bellow, I have bought this kit:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...ley_25980042-p

Question: Is the bellow boot size/part number same for both right and left ones? Because I need to get the left/Driver side too?

Which plate are you talking about? Is it for removing the inner tie-rod / boot or during the installation? For greasing, just inside the bellow boots or anywhere else too?

Thanks again for the help bro

 

You don't need thread locker at all. The inner tie rod has not way of coming off at all. It's physically impossible. Think about it, it would have to spin off and obviously that aint gonna happen.

The boot should be the same, yes.

There's a box shaped plate on the driver side that you need to remove to get access to the inner tie rod you will see it.

Grease the boot and the outer tie rod.