Need opinions on my tie rods

[garrett1478]

Hi all... I noticed some fluid dripping under the steering rack recently. I found a hole/split in the passenger side boot. At first I suspected a leaking rack/pinion assembly, but after moving both boots out of the way and cycling the steering, it seems ok. So I guess it was just water with rust/grease dripping out of the boot...

I plan on replacing the torn boot, but I'm wondering if I need to go ahead and do the inner/outer tie rods. I've got a '98 with ~203k miles and, as far as I know, all these parts are original.

I've seen the tutorials on here and have no problem doing the work myself... I just don't want to replace parts before needed as I have some other repairs/expenses coming up.

As far as feel, nothing feels weird or loose. Steering feels fine, no bump steer or anything. I grabbed a hold of the outer tie rods and couldn't feel any play. I know these inners do not look like the pictures i've seen of brand new ones... and the outers look to have some worn bushings. But is it really necessary to replace before any symptoms show up?

:thanks:

 

[garrett1478]

Just to update this... I ended up replacing both outer tie rods, LBJs, and steering rack boots.

This turned out to be a good decision. I had some bad steering wheel shake when braking, and I just always assumed it was being caused by warped rotors. Now it is obvious that the outer tie rods were the reason.


I did not replace the inner tie rods however. I found several instances where people say the ITR should be able to support its own weight. Well mine definitely don't... when they are disconnected, they droop all the way down.

So I think they need it, and I may in the future, but I was told that my rack/pinion assembly is leaking and needs replacement. I'm not totally sold on the diagnosis, so I am just going to monitor it for a while. Since ITRs are included with a new steering rack, I don't want to buy those twice...