Replace Tie Rod Dust Boots
Article by Mark Trotta
The function of a dust boot is to keep dirt, water, and debris off the swiveling joint of a tie rod or ball joint. Over time, the rubber cracks and rips, and should be replaced before all the grease under the boot comes out.
If you find a ripped boot on a tie rod end or ball joint, the joint itself may still be good and just needs to be cleaned and re-greased.
The rubber boots are really inexpensive. For about ten bucks, you can buy a 14-Piece Tie Rod and Ball Joint Boot Kit.
***********************
Replacing A Tie Rod End
If you need to replace a tie rod because of wear, most simply unscrew from a tie rod sleeve. Holding it onto the steering spindle is usually a cotter pin and a castellated nut, also called a slotted nut or castle nut.
Before trying to remove the nut, take a wire brush and clean off any exposed threads.
NOTE: When re-installing, if the castle nut does not align with the hole in the stud when the tightened, always tighten the nut to the next slot, do not loosen the nut to align it.
Common practice is to count the turns it takes to remove it, write the number down somewhere, and install new one with the same amount of turns. By doing this, alignment will not be affected.
Do I Need To Re-Align My Car After I Remove Tie Rods?
If you only need to replace the tie rod dust boot, all you need to do is separate the tie rod from the steering spindle. You don't need to remove it from the center link. So, as long as you're not removing the tie rod (or the sleeve), you're not affecting the alignment.
Most of a car's alignment is front end toe-in and toe-out, which is achieved by turning the outer tie rod into (or out of) the adjusting sleeve. So, if you're not removing the tie rod from the steering spindle, the car's alignment will not change.
***********************
One of the most common ways to remove a stubborn tie rod is with a Tie Rod Separator, commonly called a pickle fork.
The process is straightforward; place the tool between the two parts and strike with a hammer to separate.
Shown in the picture below is a similar but wider Ball Joint Fork.
Another way is to draw the tie rod off with a two-jaw puller.
This tool has other uses as well, such as removing automotive pitman arms from gear boxes.
TIP: Before you try removing anything, grab a can of WD-40 or a similar penetrating fluid and generously spray the parts to be removed. Let it soak for a while.
The longer the penetrating fluid soaks, the better it works.
If you have a stuck tie rod that doesn't want to move, sometimes a gentle rap with a hammer will help.
Exact-Fit Replacement Dust Boots
Companies like Energy Suspension and Dorman offer many exact-fit replacement dust boots for tie rods and ball joints.
Although these companies offer many types and sizes, you may not find one listed for your vehicle. If that's the case, measure your old one (if there's anything left) and look for one as close as possible.
Here's a link to Energy Suspension's Dust Boot Chart
***********************
Split Boots
Stay away from so-called "split boots" that do not require tie rod separation to install. These are a short lived, temporary repair at best.
After the new boot is on and the tie rod re-installed, fill the boot with grease through the fitting with a grease gun. The grease prevents dirt, water and debris from getting into the joint.
***********************
Final Thoughts
Dust boot replacement is much cheaper than replacing the entire tie rod or ball joint.
If you notice a damaged boot early enough, you can remove it and install a new one. However, if you're not sure of a component's age, replace it for safety's sake.
Front End Tool Kit
If you plan on doing other front end service work, Orion makes a nice Five Piece Front End Tool Kit.
Included is a ball joint separator, ball joint remover, tie rod remover, pitman arm puller, and pitman arm and tie rod puller. Heavy-duty plastic case included.
***********************
Related Articles: