Regrease inner tie rods?

[Tempest]

I've got ~150K on my inner tie rods and they are still in good shape, and would like to keep them that way. Would it be a good practice to slip the boots down and add some high quality grease to joint?

Thanks.

 

[TallPaul]

Hey that's a great idea. I just got a used Mountaineer with 114,000 miles on it. It does not have grease fittings, nor plugs where you can screw in a fitting. Would think you could get a needle grease gun fitting and slip it under the edge of the boot.

 

[Tempest]

Quote:
Would think you could get a needle grease gun fitting and slip it under the edge of the boot.

The joint is "backward" from how the needle would point. Also, space is very limited due to the rack. Popping the clamp and pulling the boot down would be necessary.

Hand pack is all I can think of.

 

[TallPaul]

I'll have to take a look at mine, maybe different. Not aware of any clamp (on the boot). No mine does not have a clamp on the boot. Well hey, the boots are limp on mine, if no other way I stick the needle through the boot, what can be worse no grease or a slightly leaky boot, and that would prevent my getting too much grease in there as it would come back out. Rain gets in, maybe, but the hole should close up in a rubber boot. Am going to do it, else the tie rod ends will soon be history.

 

[TallPaul]

I am suprised nobody else has commented on this thread. I think it is a great idea and I am planning to see about greasing mine this weekend (if I can find the time).

 

[TallPaul]

I checked mine over the weekend and there is no way to pull the edge up and no clamp. Would have to poke a hole in the boot. In theory, could do that and then patch the hole, but.... theory and practice don't always meet cleanly. It may be that greasing them that way may allow water in and accelerate wear vs leaving it alone.

 

[stenerson]

You definitely don't want to poke a hole in the boot.

 

[TallPaul]

Yeah I guess you are right.