The bushing/grommet for the outer tie rod is ripped open on both sides of my 89. Does anyone know where I could get just the rubber part or do I have to order the whole tie rod end?

Thanks guys.

 

You have to buy the whole tie rod end, and even if the little rubber boot was sold seperately, i would buy the whole end anyway. The tie rod end usually costs around $10-$12 per side, very cheap, and very easy to install.

 

Okay, I'll bite. I have seen that price of $10 - $12 a side in the archives many a time. However, I can't find anywhere that comes even close to that. Napa, Auto Zone, PepBoys, Advance Auto, and numerous online stores all want at least $38 and at most $63. Who the heck sells tie rod ends for $12?? And yes, I looked up the price for the outer end, not the inner.

 

I bought tie rod ends from Arch's auto parts here in NY for $12 about 2 months ago. I tried auto-zone, but they were out of stock, so arch's was about a block away and they had it.

$38 and up is for the entire outer tie rod, I can tell you this from experience because this is what I paid at pepboys.

 

If the tie rod itself is still in good shape, just change the boot on it. you can get them at most parts stores for about $4. around here, they have a brand called "HELP!" and I've used some of those before. they're a bit different shape than stock, but they'll work. be sure to pack them full of grease before you put it back together.

 

I was thinking of that, do you remember what kind you got? Also what kind of grease did you use? $4 sounds good to me.

Thanks,
STeve

 

nah.. just clean the end of the tie rod on the car with some brake cleaner and a wire brush.. then spray paint the end of it right on the threads so that you can remove it and get it back close to where you had it before...

then take the tie rod end to the parts store and have them help you find the right boot.. there's about 3 or 4 on the shelf at mine, and we just opened up packages and tried them until one fit.

then just get some regular wheel bearing grease and pack it in there. the guys at the parts store will be able to help you with selecting the correct goo.

 

Part number 13561 of the "Help" brand fits. 1/2 inch shaft diameter. Was easy to do. Had to cut off old rubber. $1.99 x 2 plus some grease for 2.00 sure beats $80 for new tie rod ends! Thanks everyone for your help.

Steve