Monkey Boy

well i just did an oil change on my car and one of the steering arm boots was broken. does this mean i have to change my rack and pinion also? i am hoping that all i have to do is buy replacment boots and put that on when i do my tie rod ends.

l2aine

just change boots, you should be fine

UNLESS there's fluid leaking from the upper rack part where the steering column attaches... or there's metal stuff flying out from where the tie rods go... or other obvious reasons to change the rack.

Levi SPL S14

yes do that and while your at it.

change tie rod and tie rod ends.

Monkey Boy

i am gonna change the tie rod ends. why should i change the rod itself? will it make my steering more stiffer and precise? i thought it would just make it stronger yet have no effect on steering precision. i am changed the tie rod ends as they are blown. just need a reason to replace the rods themselves which i don't see any. are there bushings on there that get worn?

l2aine

if you want to upgrade tie rods, now is the time to do it - unless you wanna disassemble the steering components twice, pay for an alignment twice, etc.

but even if you're not upgrading, think about how old your car is. Since you're gonna replace the tie rod ends and boots, might as well get a fresh set of tie rods in there. It's not that expensive. Otherwise it's like getting your whole car repainted a fresh new shade of silver... except for the doors.

Kinematics

Aftermarket tie rods are normally stronger than the OE tie rods, and sometimes have a slight more adjustability for toe allignment over stock. If you're having to replace the boots now, might as well go for the full replacement if its within your budget.

Monkey Boy

thanks, i was pondering it after i posted this. i am thining about going with moog tie rods.

Kinematics

It's personal preference, but I would suggest Tein's rods from www.enjukuracing.com . They seem to have a good price for these, and the kit from Tein (not sure about other brands) also include new tie rod end links for your car as well.

Any time you can replace an OE part with something stronger, I say go for it and save yourself a later hassle like a bent tie rod or stripped end link.

Monkey Boy

i got moog outer tie rod ends already, they are beefy like the tein's. http://www.pdm-racing.com/products/i...ges2814rl1.jpg
http://store1.yimg.com/I/jspec_1853_7269561
i figured if pdm were offering moog tie rods ends outer and inner it's worth a go. and i can get the moog stuff at list price.

namster180

btw if you mark your tie rod you won't have to do an alignment, if that is the only reason you're doing an alignment

l2aine

if you're replacing the tie rods and tie rod ends, then your marks would be pointless on parts you removed

Levi SPL S14

^ to an extent.

I did my own alignment with marks and measuring.

Get tie rod ends that are pillow ball not ball joint.