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Tie Rod End and Lower Ball Joint Boots

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by ItalynStylion, Sep 15, 2015.

  1. Sep 15, 2015 at 7:48 AM
    #1
    ItalynStylion

    ItalynStylion [OP] Sounds Gooooood

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    I was recently under my 2009 Tacoma to replace my sway bar that I'd taken off for a trip to the mountains and noticed some rubber boots on a few parts that looked like they needed to be serviced. Pictures below of the parts I'm talking about; looking to get opinions on if they are blown or not. Truck is a 2009 Sport with 108k miles on it.

    Below are pictures of the parts I'm talking about. As you can see, there appears to be some grease escaping the boots on some of them so I assume they are torn and need to be replaced. I saw this DIY HERE but I think I'm going to have to buy a fair amount of tools to make that happen. If I decide to take it to the dealer, arm and a leg or nah? I see some people just replaced the control arm all together. Is that the way to go and if so, any aftermarket control arms that would be an "upgrade"?

    Left (drivers side) Lower ball joint looks fine.
    IMG_20150914_143509_zpsdppv0qja_1006eeca228fff2bcf12eda541edcdb6438caa9d.jpg

    Left tie rod end looks to be toast.
    IMG_20150914_143447_zpsxkvqgqoi_b74d9570785a0ce84998d716163b48fbc1976f47.jpg

    Jury is out on the right tie rod end.
    IMG_20150914_143355_zpsczvmw7yj_2e2d324c66fc22dbb7c381ca12b796560a48c599.jpg

    Right side lower ball joint appears to be toast.
    IMG_20150914_143325_zpsvj9cfykj_b21e3f195a648a5d4f117c91b6b6e9a21e02d8a8.jpg
     
    Crom likes this.
  2. Sep 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM
    #2
    Chuy

    Chuy Well-Known Member

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    As long as the boot has no tears and there is no play, I think you are OK. From my experience, grease will ooze out but that doesn't mean dirt is getting in. The issue is the ball joint drying out. You will want to re-grease the ball joint but if your BJ's have no zerk fittings, your only other choice, other than replacement, is to re-grease them using a needle nozzles. You can Youtube how to use them. The hole can be patched with silicon or electrical tape. If the boot is supple and thick enough, the hole will reseal itself.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Sep 15, 2015 at 10:28 AM
    #3
    Crom

    Crom Super-Deluxe Member

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    Same boat here. I have 60K miles on my '09, and driver side leaking grease, but I believe boot is intact. I hope I can get at least another 50K miles out of it but I don't know lol :D
     
  4. Sep 15, 2015 at 1:55 PM
    #4
    ItalynStylion

    ItalynStylion [OP] Sounds Gooooood

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    Yeah I don't see any obvious physical damage to the boot itself (in any of the above instances) but there's some grease certainly oozing out. If it's as easy as slipping a needle in and re-greasing I'd be able to do that no problem. Any way to tell if that's the proper solution? I guess a thorough cleaning of the area first (for inspection) is likely needed. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
     
  5. Sep 15, 2015 at 2:03 PM
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    QChawks

    QChawks Well-Known Member

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  6. Jun 3, 2017 at 11:58 AM
    #6
    Suicyco

    Suicyco Well-Known Member

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    Bumping an old thread for help. No doubt about it i busted the ball joint today. Off white grease came out. Can you just replace the ball joint or do i need a new outter rod assembly? Am i ok driving on it for a day or two until i locate a replacement? Thanks for any help
     
  7. Jun 3, 2017 at 11:59 AM
    #7
    Suicyco

    Suicyco Well-Known Member

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  8. Jun 3, 2017 at 4:33 PM
    #8
    Bruce988jl

    Bruce988jl Well-Known Member

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    If that's the tie rod end then as far as I'm aware I would replace the whole thing. It'll need an alignment but I went with prothane inner and outer tie rods.
     
  9. Jun 3, 2017 at 6:50 PM
    #9
    Suicyco

    Suicyco Well-Known Member

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    Thanks @Bruce988jl. Not a huge deal but everything seemed to be going to shit and was stressing so thanks for the reply. Shouldn't have used the fork type tie rod separater but i just couldn't seperate rod from the nuckle. Im gonna need an alignment anyway. Have to check out prothane. Thanks again
     

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