Tie Rod Replacement - Grease/Grime Build-up Behind Inner.

Am I good with just wiping down/out all of the loose particulates? Not sure how bad this looks and whether or not any grease needs to be added onto or around the shaft prior to installing the new tie rod and boot.

 

All the schmutz and particulates are OK to wipe out. Chances are it's just a little OEM hydraulic fluid leaking past the seals along with various other gunk.

No grease on the inner smooth shaft, but your new inner tie rods probably came with a grease packet to lube up the ball socket. Use that, or I believe you can use some good quality GC-LB grease if it didn't come with any. Your call on that.

 

So from the website they claim Our steering and suspension components are pre-greased and sealed for long life and do not require the extra maintenance typically required by greaseable versions.

But after searching around my work area I found two packets (I ordered tie rods for both sides). Do I just squirt this stuff into the sides and try to push it in with my thumb?