Tie Rod End Advice

Thesoundofpanic9

New member
Hello all,

After only 26K miles on the T4R, I noticed this evening that the driver's side tie rod end is completely busted. I vaguely remember a loud clunking noise this morning on the freeway but I didn't think anything of it at the time. I know the repair is super easy, but I have a few questions I am hoping yall can help with.

1.) Any chance this is covered under warranty? Or does this fall under "normal wear and tear"? It's pretty obvious by the dent shown in the picture that it was struck by something.

2.) Do I need to worry about the dented hub damaging the new part? Particularly the small boot that sits right under it?

3.) Do new tie rod ends come pre-packed with grease? I don't see a way to lube them up if not.

4.) Is this an immediate concern, or is it safe to drive on a few more days?

Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • tie rod end.jpg
    tie rod end.jpg
    79.1 KB · Views: 3,448
Register to hide this ad
It appears that someone has had your tierod end off at one time. That is what caused the dent and most likely causing the grease to leak. At any rate due to outside influence "the dent" this will not be covered under manufacture warranty. Yes it is a easy repair if you can perform an alignment. Lastly just because it is leaking grease doesn't mean there is any play in the joint. The rubber boot should be repaired to ensure proper lubercation of the joint but may not need replaced.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
 
I would replace that TRE - OEM one is only like $55. Appears that someone disconnected yours in a very hamfisted way, causing the dent in the spindle and tear in the TRE boot.
 
FWIW: my tierod end looks the same. Both boots are leaking grease and I have a popping sound when I go over bumps at a slow speed and i get a little wobble when going 40 mph.

I think you'll be find driving on it for a couple days...heck mine has been doing it for a month now. I plan on doing mine within the next month.
 
Head to napa and pick one up. Super cheap and easy. Back the keeper nut off a half turn, turn the old tie rod end off, and thread the new one of. Don't forget to tighten the keeper nut,no alignment necessary.
 
Just noticed this: Bilstein 5100 / Icon 2" rear springs

Take it back to whoever "installed" the 5100s and have them buy and install a Toyota OEM TRE, and have it aligned. No, don't use a Napa one or skip the alignment.

Stand over their shoulder during installation to make sure they don't use a BFH in a stupid way, again. Loosen the TRE nut and hit the nut with a BFH, use a 2 jaw puller, or at this point use a pickle fork, as that boot is destroyed already.
 
Last edited:
Just noticed this: Bilstein 5100 / Icon 2" rear springs

Take it back to whoever "installed" the 5100s and have them buy and install a Toyota OEM TRE, and have it aligned. No, don't use a Napa one or skip the alignment.

Stand over their shoulder during installation to make sure they don't use a BFH in a stupid way, again. Loosen the TRE nut and hit the nut with a BFH, use a 2 jaw puller, or at this point use a pickle fork, as that boot is destroyed already.

I doubt someone who knocked it up like that will stand by his work. but OP Can try. if it was recent and he doesn't stand by his work cancel payment by the amount the dealer would charge to fix that under your CC.

I'd go oem.
 
Resurrecting this thread back to life. Any help appreciated.

Installed a lift this last weekend. During installation, the driver side tie rod end dust boot tore slightly. I began to look for boot replacements, and I see Energy Suspension end dust boots at the major autoparts store. They don't even look like they're the same shape, and they don't have the metal c-clips. I see another on 4WheelParts that's shaped the same (here), but it says it's for the FJ80 and "other popular tie rod ends."

Does anyone know an for sure replacement for the dust boot? Trying to keep from inadvertently ordering something that won't fit properly

Thanks in advance!
 
Resurrecting this thread back to life. Any help appreciated.

Installed a lift this last weekend. During installation, the driver side tie rod end dust boot tore slightly. I began to look for boot replacements, and I see Energy Suspension end dust boots at the major autoparts store. They don't even look like they're the same shape, and they don't have the metal c-clips. I see another on 4WheelParts that's shaped the same (here), but it says it's for the FJ80 and "other popular tie rod ends."

Does anyone know an for sure replacement for the dust boot? Trying to keep from inadvertently ordering something that won't fit properly

Thanks in advance!

Why not just get a new OEM tie rod? $40 for piece of mind isn't much.

https://parts.vandergrifftoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-outer-tie-rod-4504669245/?c=aT04NDE4MzQwNSZyPWxheWVyXzQmYT10b3lvdGE%3D
 

I guess because the vehicle has next to no miles on it, and the boot should be a ~$5 if there is a fitting one. Just seems silly to replace the whole end if there is a boot out there that works. If I had 100k+ miles with quite a bit of wear, I'd probably sing a different tune.
 
Last edited:
I think one or both of mine are clunking, not sure of outer or inner. Need to investigate further. Helpful post though, having links to OEM parts is great!
 

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
278,310
Messages
3,554,080
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top