Time to replace outer tie rod
 

I saw this yesterday when I started working on my brakes. I haven't had to replace a tie rod before so I don't know if this is bad, or just needs new grease and a new boot?

https://img337.imageshack.us/img337/...utertierod.jpg

for comparison, this is the other side:

https://img36.imageshack.us/img36/3471/outertierod2.jpg

Thank you

Someone replaced the tie rod in the second pic. You can tell the plating looks newer. The balljoint in the first pic looks ok but the boot is getting old. Replace the boot when you have a chance. They are available separately but the whole balljoint with boot is about 45 from Mazdaspeed motorsports.

I didn't even notice the inner tie rod replacement, couldn't find anything about it my notes from the previous owner. 2nd set of eyes is always good.

Thank you.

I'm not a racer so I can't order from mazdaspeed racing.

Moog sells nice replacement tie rod ends. Should be about $45 at your local parts store, or about $29 + shipping from rock auto.

put your wheel on jack up both front wheels and shake the wheel back and forth from left to right, if it clunks or has play put your hand on the tie rod to verify that is the source. Otherwise there is not really any reason to replace it. Replacing it will also require a alignment. Other signs are clunking when turning or going over speed bumps.

No provisions for greasing them. Even if it doesn't appear to be loose, I'd replace the one in the first pic. It's not hard or particularly expensive and a good excuse for an alignment if it's been a while. If you're careful and wrap some masking tape around the shaft to mark the adjustment, you can get it pretty damn close anyway.
There's also this https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...light=steering

I think I'll just replace both with new Moog ends and call it good. Better safe than sorry (especially when it comes to steering)

I used the Moog inner and out on both sides when I restored my suspension. They are quality and turned out really nice. My steering is phenominal. Take a look at your inner boots as well, if they have any holes or tears in the rubber then replace them. Rockauto sells the Moog replacement for these as well.

As you mentioned, you're better off doing them all at once and then getting an alignment. My philosophy is if one is worn, the others are on their way, so why mess with it. As our cars age, the restoration mindset is the best, instead of simple replacement. One foul sweep ;)

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...D/DSC00111.jpg

Well to bump this up , I bought a brand called NASCAR ( made by MOOG)
I'm no tie rod end expert but they're firm & look like good quality.
BUT what I'm really impressed is that it comes with LIFETIME WARRANTY !
Pretty stocked when the part's guy give me the receipt and tells me that.

Anyone able to locate a spec or part number for the boots?

I bought a set of new blue colored boots that fit nicely and were a Nissan part. If you wish, I can look at my receipts and find out which car they were from. Any boot is OK as long as it is tight on both ends so that no water will easily get in. Use high quality zip tie on the ends near the rack and pinion.
Mike

Moog is pretty good but I think you can get an OEM one from Ray pretty easily. I went OEM from Ray when I did mine.

Worth mentioning again that the stock boots are more of a plastic, where the aftermarket boots are a thicker rubber. Personally in this case, I found the aftermarket options to be a higher quality option.

I believe the boots I used were AC Delco brand. They fit perfectly.