TRE boot and alignment

[Bishard]

I just had my LBJs changed and noticed my alignment was off. I looked under the truck and noticed the boot on my tie rod end was torn. Could the tre boot be related to the misalignment? Also, is this something they could have damaged while changing my LBJ?

Can't really see tear to well in pic.

 

[curtperry]

The lower ball joint assembly connects directly to the tie rod end. So yes the boot can be easily torn while trying to separate the parts for removal of the ball joint. The shop should fix their work by rebooting or replacing the tie rod end.

A damaged boot does not directly cause misalignment. It allows grease out and dirt in and will eventually cause the tie rod end to fail. The misalignment could be caused by casting differences between the old and new LBJ assembly or slight difference in position at the mating surface with the knuckle.

 

[Bishard]

Thanks a lot.

 

[Dous]

Yea x2 to above.

Anytime the front end is torn down you will need an alignment. This shop does not sound reputable, seems to me they should have recommended an alignment.

So take it back make them replace the OTRE then never go back

 

[nevada]

what makes you think the alignment is out?
and, unless its WAY out, you usually cant tell just by looking at it.

and, ive changed hundreds of balljoints, unless its got an adjustment, no alignment is necessary. that is assuming it was good to begin with.
bolting on a new LBJ wont change anything.

i wont sell someone an alignment just to sell it. if they dont need it, they dont need it. if you're going to a shop that sells you things you dont need, you're wasting your money.

and yes, it looks like they used a pickle fork, and tore the boot. bad move. they should reboot, or replace the joint.

 

[Bishard]

I know it's out because the wheel must be turned about 30 degrees left for the truck to drive straight.

 

[Bishard]

They ended up replacing inner and outer tie rod and alignment free.

 

[nevada]

They ended up replacing inner and outer tie rod and alignment free.

nicely done.

im not sure if it was a hassle or not...but you may want to consider that shop in the future. it sounds like they treated you right.