My 13-year-old Acura TL Base is at 100k miles now, had it for the last 6 years and 50k miles. Just noticed both tie-rod end ball joints had some grease leaked out from the bottom of the boots. Jacking up front tires and wiggling at 3 and 9 o'clock felt fine. Pulling or shaking on the tie-rods by hands didn't produce any noise or movement at all. No clicking or any other noise when driving or turning. Everything appears fine except the leaking grease.

Should I fix the issue now by cleaning the old grease out, repacking fresh grease, and installing new boots? Would this repair significantly extend the life of these ball joints? Or do I just wait for them to start making some noise or having some play who knows when maybe even years later then I'll replace both tie-rod ends when the time finally comes? :-)


Right tie-rod end ball joint

Right tie-rod end ball joint

 

you did the right diagnosis. better would be to have someone turn the steering wheel and you put your hand over the balljoint to feel for play.

but just the grease alone leaking is totally normal. i would not remove the balljoint just to repack.

 

I agree. Should probably just leave those alone.