Outer Tie Rods

[Blue2KTA]

I was rotating my tires yesterday and noticed that my outer tie rods need to be replaced. The boot is ripped on both sides. Front tires are perfect.
Any tips or advice replacing them ? If I mark and count the turns do I still need an alignment ? Any particular brand ? I will probably order them from Advance Auto Parts, they always have discount codes floating around.

Thanks

[ls1camino]

Marking the threads never works...get an alignment afterwards ($100).

As for tips...spray down the threads with WD40 to loosen them up before trying to remove them.

[Firebirdjones]

Had to replace mine at only 70k miles,,,,pffff. Darn factory pieces aren't servicable (no grease fittings).

I replaced with moog parts, with grease fittings.

Yes get an alignment, you'll never get it perfect without. Just get it as close as you can and run it straight to your favorite alignment rack.

[pajeff02]

I simply installed a set of Energy Suspension boots on mine and called them good. Looked exactly like what is pictured above. As long as the joint is still snug, no need to replace it.

[Blue2KTA]

I simply installed a set of Energy Suspension boots on mine and called them good. Looked exactly like what is pictured above. As long as the joint is still snug, no need to replace it.

How do I test the joint, move the tire side to side for play or unbolt one end and see if its loose ? Which size to you get ?

[pajeff02]

Unbolt the tie rod end and run the nut up flush with the end of the stud. Hit it square with a good size hammer (turn the wheels if you need more space to swing) and it should pop free. You can also use a tie rod tool, but the hammer method is quick and works every time. Once it is free, grab the stud and move it around in the joint. If there is no resistance, or you can feel slop, then change it out.

[Blue2KTA]

Unbolt the tie rod end and run the nut up flush with the end of the stud. Hit it square with a good size hammer (turn the wheels if you need more space to swing) and it should pop free. You can also use a tie rod tool, but the hammer method is quick and works every time. Once it is free, grab the stud and move it around in the joint. If there is no resistance, or you can feel slop, then change it out.

Will the old boot just come right off or does it need to be ripped or cut out ?

[pajeff02]

Pulls right off.

[Blue2KTA]

Pulls right off.

Thanks for all the info. I will check it my next day off

[Blue2KTA]

Is it moving too freely ? There is no play when i pull it up or side to side, just concerned about it moving ?

[Firebirdjones]

If it were mine, I'd replace both. I've never been able to move them with one finger like that, so I'd say it's a tad loose and well worn. When you get the new ones, you'll have to grab it with your hand and forcefully try to move it around.

[Blue2KTA]

I will replace them. Better to be safe

Thanks

[Firebirdjones]

Yeah, while you're in there might as well. They aren't that expensive and you'll get tie rods with grease fittings that you can actually service

[pajeff02]

Agree with FBJ. Those are whipped if you can move them that easily.