As title says, I was looking under neath my car because I heard some noises when accelerating. I’d figure it was my axle and it does need replacing but the noise came from this other shaft with a boot as well and it’s near the axle and I don’t know the name of the part... noob question I know but I need help

 

Inner tie rod on the steering rack ?

 

Here’s a picture to help verify the part. As you can see, the boot is ripped and there is a bit of play where the joint is and I bet that’s what making the noise when I’m in gear and accelerating..

 

Also, the picture is on the drivers side

 

Yes, that is the inner tie rod end on the steering rack. If you can pull on that arm and the shiny ball moves in and out even slightly, it needs to be replaced. The damaged boot means that there is no grease for the moving parts there, so it needs to be replaced as well.

 

Would I just replace the inner tie rod or the whole steering rack as well?

 

Just the inner tie rod, the boot, the boot clamps and then get an alignment.

 

Okay cool awesome thanks guys much appreciate it! I’ma noob but every one got to start somewhere

 

There is a tool you will need to get or rent to get the inner tie rod off.

Something like this:

 

There are also little lock (tab type) washer between the inner rod and the rack itself.

Interesting about the tool ^ my 5th gens have always come off with an adjustable wrench, not like the rack can spin too.

 

Didn't think you could fit a crescent wrench in there. The tool is supposed to let you do it without pulling the rack out of the car.

 

It's a lot easier using a typical open-end wrench instead of a crescent wrench.

 

that's what I used. No special tool or adjustable wrench required.