[Fixed! - Bellows replaced] Need to replace tie rod bellows...while I'm at it...

State Inspection is due and I know I need to replace my inner tie tod bellows. To replace the bellows I need to remove the tie rod end/ball joint. While I have it off, I might as well replace it right? And since I have the end off and the bellows I might as well replace the inner tie rods too right? Ugh. Just a hundred dollars more and I can just get a complete aftermarket complete steering rack assembly. All for 2 $5 pieces of rubber.

Anyway, 2 questions. 1) - am I crazy for considering buying this vs OEM parts?

$39 6-PC Suspension Kit Replacement fit for Tacoma 2005-2018 Inner Outer Tie Rod End Steering Rack Boot Auto Parts

https://www.amazon.com/SCITOO-Suspension-Replacement-2005-2018-Steering/dp/B0BW3NYH8V/ $38 sounds too good to be true right? Although I believe that's probably what it costs to manufacture.

2) - More philosophical, how do you decide to stop the "while I am at its?" OEM Tie rod ends, bellows, and call it a day?

Thanks all!

2011 V6 Access Cab w/190,000 and hoping to see 300k!

 

If it is something easy and inexpensive to get to, then only replace what is needed. For example, unless the inners are bad, I would only do outers. Now doing a head gasket, I would go ahead and do timing chain guides, while I am there. Definitely wouldn't replace the steering rack, because then you are opening the closed power steering system and will need to bleed, and may cause leaks at fittings, etc.

 

$39 is way too cheap for all those parts - wouldn't trust any of them.

A leak/seep at the boot will cause you to fail your State's inspection? That would mean almost every Tacoma 3-5 years old I've seen would fail.

Just replace the boot unless one of the rods is bent or a ball is warn - don't get rid of good factory stuff for that junk on Amazon you found.

 

The boot is torn/ripped on the right hand side. Appears there is a slight leak in the rack which is leaking only the lower control arm bushing. I'm expecting the dealer to fail it saying it needs a boot since the rack is leaking. I'd rather just replace the boot and worry about the rack when its warm. I'm just going to replace the boot and call it a day.

 

Good call, from my understanding they practically all leak at bit; only to really be addressed if you have to keep adding fluid to the reservoir.

The dealer does the State's inspection!?

Once you have the boot off you will be able to evaluate if the rip has allowed too much dirt in.

 

Dealers and local repair shops can perform the State Inspections. In PA, its about $100 a year for Safety Inspection and Emissions. The dealer I go to knows I work and maintain my truck so they don't try to get me on blinker fluid. They also did the frame replacement so know the truck really well. When I drop it off I tell them I've replaced the air filter, cabin filter, and pulled a front and rear tire the weekend before to check the pads/shoes. The local repair shops don't make enough money off of me to have it be worth their time.

The "pre-inspection" once over (I hate paying $18 for a bulb) is how I found the torn bellows. With nearly 200k miles on it, I am surprised the steering rack hasn't given me any problems yet. Fluid level is still fine. Looks like the rack replacement isn't too crazy and just a game of jenga. I'd rather do that when its warmer out since its a driveway repair. So bellows now and rack replacement in the Spring if the leak gets worse.

 

Again, Good calls.

 

Fixed! I went the K.I.S.S. route and just replaced the bellows and called it a day ($23 oem bellows.) I didn't even take the tie rod end off. Just broke the lock nut, put some tape marking the top of the inner tie rod, and counted the threads and turns. I would say its 99% of where it was previously. I need an alignment anyway so will get that done tomorrow. Fine to drive to the dealer.

One pro-tip, use a heat gun and soften (DON'T MELT like heat shrink!) the large end of the bellows slightly (seriously, don't melt it) to soften the rubber so it slides onto the steering rack. It was really hard to do in February temps. I also added some sil-glide to the inside lip but the heat gun worked much better.

The only thing I am disappointed with is the stainless steel zip tie vs the pinch clamp. I have no idea how to get in there for a pinch clamp. I plan on replacing the whole unit later in the spring. I'm sure it will be fine till then.

Thanks for letting me share the win!