Guys/Gals,

Quick question, while doing some routine maintenance last weekend on my T/A I noticed that the dust boots on both front tie rod ends (outer) were torn. I'm gonna be replacing them this weekend with some replacements but need to know the best way to get the outer tie rod disconnected from the spindle without screwing it up. Both tie rods are good and there is zero play and very tight so just gonna grease the new boot and replace em'. I did get the tie rod removal tool (2 jaw pusher/puller) from my local AdvanceAuto, will this work without screwing up the good tie rod? Any suggestions are welcome. When putting it back on do I need to press the tie rod end back onto the spindle or just let the upper nut pull (castle nut) it on?

Also, while I am down there is there a good way to check my CAB's (control arm bushings - upper and lower) as well as my lower and upper ball joints to make sure they are good. The car only has 48K on the clock and is rarely driven but she is 14 years old and I wanna keep up with the routine maintenance.

 

As long as you don't get into the threads, the puller should work and your rod end should be ok. Generally, if the boot is torn, it is recommended to replace the complete rod end, since dirt would have gotten inside and begun to compromise it.