Inspecting Tie Rod EndsThere are two concerns when inspecting tie rod ends and protective boots. First, wear and excess play in the tie rod ball joints and, second, damage to the protective boot which will accelerate that wear. Check the condition of the inner and outer tie rod boots. Cracked or ripped inner tie rod boots can be replaced separately, perhaps prolonging the life of the tie rod end. See Replacing Inner Tie Rod Boots. Outer tie rod boots are not separately available. Replacement of damaged outer tie rod boots is accomplished only by replacing the tie rod. To inspect the tie rod ends, look for unwanted play between the steering rack and the tie rods or between the tie rods and the steering arms. At the outer tie rod ends, there should be little or no vertical freeplay. At all four tie rod ends, inner and outer, there should be little or no lateral play. Any turning motion of the wheel should be directly translated to the steering rack with no freeplay in between. Try forcing mating parts in opposite directions and looking for freeplay. Replace any tie rod that fails these tests, as described in Replacing and Adjusting Tie Rods. |
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