They're dry rotted and split right at the crease on top--if you know what I'm talking about.

I'm sure the tie rod joints are still good because the car steers great and there's no play in the front end.

Anyways, the car is a 97 and has 40K miles. I see no signs of grease leaking out of them but when I looked in the boot it didn't seem like there was much in there so I stuck the nozzle of my grease gun in and squeezed some in.

Is it possible to buy new boots or do I even need to realy worry about this? I almost never drive the car in the rain.

 

I really wouldnt worry about it. you should be just fine unless there is a whole bunch of dirt or it feels "crunchy" but if it is smooth you will be fine.

 

Why not replace them?
You can have your local auto house order the Energy Suspension poly ones for like $5. You'll also have a whopping 25 cents into new cotter pins for the castle nut.

It's an hour job if you're taking your time and drinking a beer with one hand.

 

As stated above, you can buy replacement boots. It not some much rain as sand dirt dirt will work its way in and destroy the joints over time.

 

pop the joint and if they're still tight just get some new boots. boots are only about 5 bucks and you can get colored ones ....yay for ricer ideas

 

Fix it! lol its kinda important.