Inner tie rod boot: clamp or zip tie?

[jhumphrey]

So I'm doing my inner tierods tomorrow and was going over the procedure when I noticed something: the upper clamp on the boot needs to be replaced when doing this.

Went to my local parts store and lo and behold, they didn't have the clamp or the tool to cinch the clamp, even if they had it. Anyway, what should I use as an alternative? Zip ties? Hose clamps? I've looked around and seen a wide gamut of things. What's the best solution? I absolutely have to do this tomorrow, so ordering parts and waiting isn't an option.

Thanks!

 

[White 4x4runner]

I used a zip tie. No problems for a few months now.

 

[jhumphrey]

I used a zip tie. No problems for a few months now.

What size did you use (width and length)? How tight did you cinch it down?

 

[nevada]

What size did you use (width and length)? How tight did you cinch it down?

we use the 1/4", and get the long(12"?) ones.

cinch it down tight and clip the excess.

 

[jhumphrey]

we use the 1/4", and get the long(12"?) ones.

cinch it down tight and clip the excess.

Ok. Has it held up to mud, muck, water, rocks, and other debris?

 

[shootmymime]

zip tie, i used 2 and cinched them down. then cut off excess, easy and done.

 

[nevada]

Ok. Has it held up to mud, muck, water, rocks, and other debris?

I cant speak to that. we use it on all customers cars, if we have to remove the boot for any reason. I haven't seen any come back for that tho.

I see no reason why it wouldn't hold up just fine. its only job is to hold the boot in place.
and 1/4" zip ties are TOUGH.

zip tie, i used 2 and cinched them down. then cut off excess, easy and done.

I think 2 is excessive, but it wont hurt anything.

 

[shootmymime]

I cant speak to that. we use it on all customers cars, if we have to remove the boot for any reason. I haven't seen any come back for that tho.

I see no reason why it wouldn't hold up just fine. its only job is to hold the boot in place.
and 1/4" zip ties are TOUGH.

I think 2 is excessive, but it wont hurt anything.

let me better explain myself, i used 2 because one was not long enough to go around the clamp. i tied 2 together to make a single one long.

 

[jhumphrey]

let me better explain myself, i used 2 because one was not long enough to go around the clamp. i tied 2 together to make a single one long.

What length did you use? I'd like to use one long enough to avoid having to tie 2 together.

 

[shootmymime]

What length did you use? I'd like to use one long enough to avoid having to tie 2 together.

i dont know, 8" maybe. it was a few months ago. i was doing a much bigger project than worrying about how many zip ties i used or what length they were.

 

[nevada]

let me better explain myself, i used 2 because one was not long enough to go around the clamp. i tied 2 together to make a single one long.

ah yes. we do the same.

which Is why I suggested the long ones above. you can always cut the extra off. and they are much easier to work with, than when you have to stick 2 together.

 

[Gerdo]

I used the screwdriver/worm gear type hose clamps.
Works great.

 

[TheKorstjens]

Gerdo has it. Home depot or lowes has stainless pipe clamps. They are only like 2 bucks. Much more durable than zip ties. I used zip ties for a temporary hold but personally wouldnt trust them long term

 

[TakeitApart]

I've used .051" stainless steel lockwire, or safety wire as it's also referred to. Two wraps then twist with the pliers, cut the excess then bend the tail over twice.

 

[Gerdo]

Gerdo has it. Home depot or lowes has stainless pipe clamps. They are only like 2 bucks. Much more durable than zip ties. I used zip ties for a temporary hold but personally wouldnt trust them long term

And they are easily removable/replaceable so you can inspect the inner tie rods.

 

[jhumphrey]

I used the screwdriver/worm gear type hose clamps.
Works great.

How long/diameter are they? I'll be near Home Depot tonight.

 

[jhumphrey]

Just to let everyone know, I did the job yesterday. It was surprisingly easy. I found it easier than my jeep was (I did both LBJs and tie rods).

I chose to use hose clamps on the upper part of the boot. I had to use a zip tie on one of the lower ends because I made a rookie mistake of forgetting to put the clamp back on and didn't realize it until I had put everything back together :-/

 

[dirtbike250x]

Even though the job was already finished, just thought I'd add, if the actual clamp used is not available, a hose clamp is the only other sure safe method to secure the boot. A zip tie can easily be nicked under there compromising the strength, really defeating the purpose of allowing the boot to seal out debris from the rack and INTR.

Try to stick to the clamps that came on the truck.

 

[jhumphrey]

I didn't have an ability to put the "factory" clamp on the upper part of the boot, so I used a hose clamp and cinched it down. I'm going to get a small hose clamp to replace the zip tie. I still have the original lower clamp, but I'd have to remove the outer tierod to put it on and I don't want to risk damaging it. Once I put the clamp on, I'll check it periodically to ensure it's working as it should.

I'll put the factory lower clamp back on when/if I have to.

 

[gmv4k]

I just realized the clamp from my inner tie rod is missing. I'm going to zip tie it up. But can anybody recommend a grease to fill it back up with?

Can I use grease from a grease gun I use for the driveshaft?