Hey guys,

I've got the front steering rack out of my 89 'vert and the tie rod boots are torn. They still feel stiff, but I don't know if they are worth the money to replace them as a precaution or if, at this age, they should be replaced anyway. What would I gain by doing so at the outrageous price of $42 EACH?

Thanks...

 

Autozone sells polyurethane replacements for the tirerods. Now if the A-arm balljoint boot is shot, I think your SOL and stuck with Mazda $$ ones.

Price all your parts through mazdatrix.com, www.mazdaformance.com (e-mail them the part number you need to get a price), and the local dealership.

Most dealership swill give you wholesale costs if you deal with them enough.

 

IMHO its worth it.
I consider steering one of most important things on these cars and everything directly related to it is good to replace/upgrade after 15+ years.

Drag racers probably don`t care

 

Ask your self that question when a front wheel is perpendicular to your car

I would replace them. Also, while you have the tie rod ends off I would inspect the boots that cover the powersteering joints. If those are torn I would replace them. It will make your steering rack last that much longer. I would guess a manual rack has boots also.
Also, do not forget the front end alignment when you are done.

In my experience Mazdaformance.com has ALWAYS been cheaper than mazdatrix on stock parts.

 

if just the boot is torn, and you can get the boot, then yes replace it.

i would not replace the entire tie rod unless there is "play" in the joint. check that w/ car on ground and have assistant turn steering wheel. hold hand over tie rod joint and feel. if it is tight, then its ok.
also check to make sure they are not bent. there are also inner tie rods on the rack, a little harder to check for play b/c its not as easy to see.

if you replace the outter tie rod, mark location or count threads as you take it off to make sure the new one goes on in =about= the right spot. then alignment is always good idea.