inner tie rod grease question
 

was reading the archive thread here https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-gen-archive-72/inner-tie-rod-replacement-write-up-%5Bpics%5D-773735/

it says in one of the pics, 1st post that he put new packed grease on the inner tie rod joint near the rack. I have my tie rods and they are in sealed packages and look like they are already packed with grease. do I pack in more in the same manner as repacking our front wheel bearings i.e. force grease in with the palm of my hand? if so, can I use my wheel bearing grease for this. I don't see why I couldn't but just checking. thanks in advance.

anyone? should be a simple question I would think.

If I recall correctly, certain greases when mixed create acids, eating the joint away slowly until it's garbage. If there's already grease in there, there's already grease there.

well, I'll have to hope there is enough grease in there I supposes. I know for a fact that there is at least some in there as it is squeezing out a little bit. $40 for inners and outers so might as well just take a chance. I'll get another set if they start binding or something (although that would be bad at speed). I'm sure it won't just fail all of a sudden and that it would be progressive. I have manual rack so I'm sure I'd feel a difference in the wheel.

Post pictures with the boot removed.

they don't have boots. I'll have to find a way to get pics up since I can't even hook my phone up to the pc anymore (micro usb, all I have is mini usb cords fml). and I lost my sd card reader while moving. I'll figure out something and post soon.

What you mean is that they don't have boots.... on them yet. When installed, they are protected by the boots on the ends of the steering rack. I figured you had installed them by now :)

almost all joints that are sold now are sold prepacked and most actually have warning to not grease them if they have zerks. napa sway bar links with zerks explode if you grease them before they have some wear. I did it twice at work because i thought it was dumb when they told me not to grease the grease fitting... I know your inners dont have grease fittings but dont worry about it, if you see grease then they have plenty

I thought you meant if I had new boots. which I don't :( I forgot about them and need to order some. I ripped the old boots trying to get the clamp thing off by accident. was gonna re use. anyway, I did a test fit on one side (of a part # in question to makes sure) and it fit fine but I put the old one back on for now. with a broken boot. don't want to ruin new inners cause of bad boots. I taped it up for now until I get new boots and hope to finish this up this weekend. I miss having a daily thats not my FC.

thanks mint for the info as well. they are definitely pre greased but just wanted to know if I should add more and what type but I think I'll just leave it as is or use the grease that comes with the boots if any. (one guy had said he got some grease with his boots so idk).

black rtv works well to patch up the boot until you can locate new ones if you need to drive the car. only for cracks/splits, not sure how bad you tore them up

F#@%, still haven't gotten around to this. gf's car won't pass inspection due to rust. its kinda sorta bad so been cutting and welding since I got home from work. need to get this done and then find time for tie rods and alignment. not enough hrs in a day, for real.