How to Remove Inner Tie Rod Boots

The steering rack on a vehicle has many different moving parts, and most of these are covered by rubber boots. These boots contain grease to keep the internal parts lubricated. When they tear, the grease can get out of the boot and dry out the joint. Eventually, this will cause the joint to fail, which can cause your steering to stick in the process. Replacing the inner tie rod boot is a bit complicated to do, but it can be done at home.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stands
• Tire iron
• Open-end wrench set
• Ball joint removal tool
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Lift up the front of the car or truck with the jack and put it down on the jack stands. Take off the front wheels using the tire iron and set them out of the way.

2. Locate the tie rod end; this piece is connected to the steering and runs the width of the vehicle, then is connected to the steering knuckle. Unbolt the tie rod end from the steering knuckle using an open-end wrench. Set the ball joint removal tool over the tie rod end so the center bolt is on the ball joint. Tighten the tool using an open-end wrench until the tie rod pops out of the steering knuckle.

3. Loosen the locking nut on the tie rod nut using an open-end wrench. Remove the tie rod using another open-end wrench, then remove the locking nut from the steering linkage.

4. Remove the clamps holding the inner tie rod boot to the steering using the pliers, then pull the boot off of the steering linkage.