tie rod end replacement???

[Mowillie]

can the rubber dust boots on the tie rod be replaced with out replacing the tie rods, ends, drag link, and all that stuff? i still get some drift with driving 50mph or more. with I put grease in the zert fittings on the ends is feels better when driving. but the grease squeezes out after i drive it. so I would like to replace the little dust boots.
any thoughts?

 

[broncnaz]

You probably just have wear in the tie rods ends. The grease just fills the gap for a short time even with new seals it will still squeeze out. But yes new seals can be installed. Most parts stores sell replacements and there are polyurethane ones availible.

 

[Mowillie]

yes, you are probably correct. too much play. so is that play in the actual tie rod end or where?

 

[Mowillie]

not sure which the worn out part typically is...so see my photo.
thanks for the info.

 

[Timmy390]

Play could be in the steering box, frame flexing, drag link or tie rods. Could also be the track bar moving or even bad radius arm bushings.

Best bet is to have someone turn the steering wheel while you lay under the bronco looking for the slop.

Tim

 

[Mowillie]

The slop is in the tie rod or at least the ends.

 

[73stallion]

have someone rock your steering wheel back and forth about 4" and watch each tie rod end, you'll be able to clearly see which one is worn.

 

[barronj]

My steering was a little sloppy, and I would get minor death wobble at 60mph. I had the wife work the wheel back & forth while I examined things, and I found the drag link slightly loose at the pitman arm. I put a washer btw the castle nut & the pitman arm & it got a lot better. Not sure why it needed the washer, and by that I mean that I don't undersand exactly what has worn out, causing that play.

When I installed the power steering on my 68, I just put the PS box that I'd bought without rebuilding it, or any other part of the steering. I'm sure it could all use refreshing.

Now that I have the DW eliminated, and better diagnosed, I'm prepared to move forward with my ZF swap.

 

[Timmy390]

The slop is in the tie rod or at least the ends.

I just replaced both tie rods. I went with Moog and Rock Auto had them he cheapest. I made the local Advance Auto price match.

Tim