Tore up my tie rod

[Devin]

I few months back I reversed into a drainage ditch. Afterwards I noticed a clunking noise when turning. I haven't driven it in a while but I went to look at it today and my driver side engine damper bracket was completely off of the tranny mount. I reaffixed that with a single nut (for now) and looked a bit closer and noticed that I had grease coming out of a two inch long crack in my outer tie rod boot.

This really sucks because I purchased it brand new, and there's probably not even 4000 miles on it. Can I replace the boot and regrease it (there is a grease fitting)? That would save me some money as well as an alignment most likely.

 

[sdpatt]

Yes, since there was still grease present, the rod end should be okay - with no play. You should be able to replace the boot by removal of the rod end bolt to the knuckle, but the boots are not normally sold separately.

 

[Devin]

I called a store and they might have the boot but I need to bring mine in. When I put the boot and end together and torque it down, do you think it'll affect my alignment?

How do I check if there is play?

 

[Devin]

I don't know if the ball joint is still in good condition but I'll take it on a test drive today.

I got a 5/8 boot, put a couple fingers of grease on the stud and torqued it down to 42ft/lbs. A little bit of excess grease squeezed out but it looks okay so far. I guess I'll have to take the wheel off after a couple drives and see if it is still retaining the grease.