Ok, so in replacing the clutch is was discovered, or rather, when I picked up the car, the guy told me... the rack boots are pretty much destroyed and that I should have them replaced. Failure to do so will require a new completely new rack. He quoted me $60 for parts and $140 in labor. So, first question, in the graphic below, is the thingy denoted by the arrow the boot he's referring to?


Second question. Is he right about needing a new rack if i don't replace these?

Third... I really don't want to pay him to do it, if I do it (and probably my tie rod ends as it seems convenient to do them at the same time) how much of a pain in the **** will this be?

 

And before you refer me to your site, Internetautomar, I've already been there. I know you sell the boot set for $20. I'm just making sure I have the right boot.

 

That is the right part...

Yes if you do not replace boot,then eventually the rack seals will fail...

You will need to remove the outer tie rod and inner tie rod end to access the boot...

 

Excellent. Now, about the pain in the **** factor...

Also, on internetautomart, there's Generic tie rod ends ($15) and there's Moog ($32-40). Can anyone say if/why the Moog's are better?

 

i normally give advice before I start the sales pitch
get the generics, I've had nothing but good luck with them and the quality appears to be right up there with the best of them.
Moog is a well known brand name, but in the case of the max they don't make the tie rods themselves, they just reboxed last time I looked

 

are the generics actually made for the car or are they the universal fit? I had some generics that were universal fit and they werent even close.

 

I don't sell universal parts.
they are direct replacements.

how would one make a universal tie rod anyhow

 

Im sorry I was talking about the universal tie rod boot not the tie rod itself...I read what I wanted into your post because i forgot the guy wanted more than just the boot.

So do you have the direct fit tie rod boots?

 

yeah, they're direct fit.
there aren't that many boot options in reality.

 

ok, so...

Boots: $40 ($20x2)
Tie Rod Ends: $30 ($15x2)

What else should get replaced while I'm that far?

 

Brian are you sure that boot kit is for one side at $20? That sounds a little high for one boot.

I may just use duct tape

 

yeah, it's just for one side.

you don't want universal, but you'll use duct tape

radiator hose tape

 

haha no not really...just a joke. I am cheap but not that bad

 

I did this last summer. You do not have to remove the inner tie rod end, just the outer. Once that is removed, then you can pull the old one off by taking the twist tie off by cutting it. The biggest pain in the procesure is getting the boot end on the rack itself since there is little room to work with, having the subframe being in the way and all. I think the boots were $20 each at nissan and I used tie straps instead of the metal twist ties they give you.

Once you have the old boots off, put a generous amount of grease on the rack gear, then put the new boot on.

 

I got the same problem too and the mechanic told me that the Inner Tie Rod is alittle bit loose. I want to know is it hard to replace the Inner Tie Rod and the Boot. Do I have to do alignment after I replaced the Inner Tie rod? Thanks

 

you don't HAVE to do an alignment, but I'd sure as hades recommend it.

 

Did anyone from this thread actually replace an inner tie-rod end. I will attempt to get er done, but I am in need of some help. Number of hours to do the job, any special tools needed and any additional parts needed to complete the job on both sides.

 

I posted this question in the Fluids & Lubricats forum, but no one ever reads that forum, so I'll ask you... What's the reccomended lubricant for the rack?

 

No, they weren't.

Changing them is easy. Jack up car, support car with jack stands, remove wheel, remove outer tire rod end, remove old boot, install new boot. Simple.

I recommend Moog. Got mine from Rock Auto. Perfect fit.

Why the name change?

 

lol it was all that we had at the time and was better than what was on there




dunno just felt like a change since I noticed that Michael wasnt taken and thats pretty unusual for a popular first name not to be taken so I had to take it.

I put awsm66 in my avatar so eveyone knows it still me though.

 

Can anybody tell me if there is any special tools needed in replacing the inner tie rods. I am only getting the skinny on boot replacement from this thread.

tks

 

Maybe that's becuase this thread was about replacing boots. I expressed interest in changing outer tie rods... But nothing was ever said about inner tie rods in relating to the topic at hand. Maybe that's why no one discussed them. Just my take on the matter though.

 

there is a trick to getting the boot end on the rack...roll the boot back like a rubber then put it over the rack and unroll it..I had more trouble getting the metal tie crimped that holds them on...