Inner tie rod replacement

[wfo9]

About to tackle this over the weekend.

Curious if anyone has done it and how you deal with the large ear type clamp on the boot. Seems like most people just zip tie the boot back on, but that spooks me a bit.

I can't see a part listed for a new clamp. I would assume a new boot comes with a clamp, but not sure.

Ideas? Might be able to find a set at the auto parts store but I have not looked yet.

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] what is the story on these things. I'm sure you have replaced a few.

In glancing at it. It looks like the clamp... are different for the 5th gen.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The 5th gen has a different steering rack if I remember right...

To be honest we don't usually replace inner tie rods, we sell the whole rack. Done plenty of racks, haven't done an inner tie rod in a long while...

From everything I have heard/read, by the time the rack is leaking at the inner tie rod seal; it's usually because the inner bore is a bit worn and allowing leakage which means the rack needs to be replaced/overhauled if possible (which is really complicated as I was curious about rebuilding mine...)

If you're just looking for a clamp to replace it, auto parts stores have universal CV Boot style clamps in various diameters. I just bought a handful for doing my stepdad's LX470 CV shaft boots because Toyota gives you 2 really nice clamps and 2 rather crappy clamps with the boot kits...

FOr example, these are semi-universal in that they allow a bit of range in diameter and use a standard CV Boot Clamp tool to make a nice tight fit like the factory...

Dorman Help! 03636 - C.V. Joint Boot Clamp Kit | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

[jbstrd]

About to tackle this over the weekend.

Curious if anyone has done it and how you deal with the large ear type clamp on the boot. Seems like most people just zip tie the boot back on, but that spooks me a bit.

I can't see a part listed for a new clamp. I would assume a new boot comes with a clamp, but not sure.

Ideas? Might be able to find a set at the auto parts store but I have not looked yet.

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] what is the story on these things. I'm sure you have replaced a few.

In glancing at it. It looks like the clamp... are different for the 5th gen.

I have replaced the inner TRE's a few times on my '98 Tacoma. Every time, I just use a heavy duty zip tie. I have had zero issues using this method and it is far easier than using the clamps unless you have a special clamp tool. There is not a lot of tension on the steering rack boot so zip ties do the job just fine.

My .02

 

[wfo9]

Thanks guys, I kind of figured most people were just doing zip ties.

I have no leaks, but but my drivers side has a tiny bit of play and clicking noise. I could probably just leave it alone until it gets worse, but new inner and outer tie rods are so cheap (aftermarket) that I figured I would give it a try. I'm going to diagnose it a bit more with the wheels off before doing it. Looks like a pretty easy job besides that clamp and the frame being in the way.

I know the inner rods are a very common problem on FJs before 2010 (120) not sure about the newer 150 racks.

 

[jbstrd]

Thanks guys, I kind of figured most people were just doing zip ties.

I have no leaks, but but my drivers side has a tiny bit of play and clicking noise. I could probably just leave it alone until it gets worse, but new inner and outer tie rods are so cheap (aftermarket) that I figured I would give it a try. I'm going to diagnose it a bit more with the wheels off before doing it. Looks like a pretty easy job besides that clamp and the frame being in the way.

I know the inner rods are a very common problem on FJs before 2010 (120) not sure about the newer 150 racks.

All TRE's are definitely not the same quality. That is something I have found out. Since the Toyota Inners for my truck are something like $150 a piece, I have resorted to purchasing Autozone lifetime warranty ones. I have the job down to about 30 mins a piece and I just warranty them when they go bad. Also, I have a lifetime alignment for when I'm done replacing them each time.

I am sure the Toyota ones would last longer, but I can do it in little time on my own for free now so it is worth the hassle to save money. Besides, the Toyota ones will still get loose with hard wheeling anyway.

 

[nevada]

Thanks guys, I kind of figured most people were just doing zip ties.

I have no leaks, but but my drivers side has a tiny bit of play and clicking noise. I could probably just leave it alone until it gets worse, but new inner and outer tie rods are so cheap (aftermarket) that I figured I would give it a try. I'm going to diagnose it a bit more with the wheels off before doing it. Looks like a pretty easy job besides that clamp and the frame being in the way.

I know the inner rods are a very common problem on FJs before 2010 (120) not sure about the newer 150 racks.

a large zip tie is all we use also. they work fine. that is only a dust boot, a zip tie is more than enough to keep it in place.

 

[wfo9]

All TRE's are definitely not the same quality. That is something I have found out. Since the Toyota Inners for my truck are something like $150 a piece, I have resorted to purchasing Autozone lifetime warranty ones. I have the job down to about 30 mins a piece and I just warranty them when they go bad. Also, I have a lifetime alignment for when I'm done replacing them each time.

I am sure the Toyota ones would last longer, but I can do it in little time on my own for free now so it is worth the hassle to save money. Besides, the Toyota ones will still get loose with hard wheeling anyway.

Not sure about the 5th gen ones, but as far as the FJ goes, there was quite a bit of info showing the Toyota ones not lasting as long as several of the aftermarket ones. Should be a real quick job with zip ties and one of those inner tie rod tools... I can do the toe alignment quickly myself as long as I do one side at a time.

The Toyota part for the 5th gen is retail $200. Aftermarket go between 30 - 60.

Funny how dealers just replace the entire rack. Reminds me why I never go to a dealer for service, but I understand that they want to maximize profits.....

 

[jbstrd]

Not sure about the 5th gen ones, but as far as the FJ goes, there was quite a bit of info showing the Toyota ones not lasting as long as several of the aftermarket ones. Should be a real quick job with zip ties and one of those inner tie rod tools... I can do the toe alignment quickly myself as long as I do one side at a time.

The Toyota part for the 5th gen is retail $200. Aftermarket go between 30 - 60.

Funny how dealers just replace the entire rack. Reminds me why I never go to a dealer for service, but I understand that they want to maximize profits.....

Interesting about the aftermarket being better. The OEM prices for Inners is crazy though.

Yea, it's a quick job. I pop the outer off of the front lower ball joint, undo the jam nut, count or mark the threads, remove the outer from the inner, pull back the boot, then unthread the inner from the rack with a pipe wrench. I have not seen inside the rack boot of the 5th Gen yet, but I assume it is pretty similar to my old Tacoma rack.

The TRE's are definitely week points in the IFS system.