Replacing steering rack - questions
 

I'm going to replace the steering rack in my '98 and am wondering if I need to replace the outer tie rods since the new rack doesn't come with them.

I don't think it would be necessary but wanted to get everyones opinion.

Thanks!

You would only replace them if you detect play in the joints or maybe the boots are ripped and the grease has left the joint and contaminants have gotten in.

Just in case you didn't know this video exists, here's a link to video @infamousRNR and I made of doing a steering rack replacement.

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Already watched your vid several times and was going to reuse them based on what you did but still wanted to see what everyone said.

:)

if you have no slop and no tear in boots I would reuse, also because they are easy to service/replace

I'd lean toward replacing them, unless you've replaced them and know they have a limited amount of wear and tear. Only because if you replace them, the car needs a realignment, and that costs money. Assuming you do most of the work yourself, that takes it from a cheap fix to a cheap fix followed by a trip to the shop and paying them for alignment.

youre already down there, id recommend you just replace the ends (unless its something youve done recently). although i think if you dont pop off the pickup point on the lower ball joint you may be able to get away with it. i know if you have a well used one, there will be a good chance its junk once you pop it off the lower balljoint pickup point.

i redid my entire front end suspension and i thought i could get away with not replacing my rod ends. turns out i go to the alignment shop and they cant align it because one of the ends has excessive play on it. i even used a nice puller to get it off and not hammer the shit out of the shank. lesson learned. :)

@3bears , how are OEM outter rods ends serviceable? i have never seen a rebuild kit and they dont even have a zerk fitting for the grease. mine had no play by hand and zero tears in the boot and one was still junk. you might be able to get away with reinstalling, but its a gamble at best.