Rep Power: 351

What is the best way to try and patch the tie rod boot. I was putting my springs in and lo and behold, I ripped one of the tie rod boots. I called Honda and it will be Tuesday before I can get one cuz they don't have them in stock. I also tried checker and about a million other places. So I'm lookin at about 4 or 5 days with limited driving while I wait. What can I do in the meantime?

 
Rep Power: 306

A week won't make any difference. What will happen is the grease will dry out and the tie rod will fail. But the grease will not wear out in a week, so there is nothing to worry about.

 
Rep Power: 0

The problem isn't really with the grease drying out...it's with dust and grime mixing with the grease and wearing the parts out over time. If the tear is small enough, you may want to try to duct tape, or if possible, wrap the whole boot tightly with some heavy-duty plastic. Either way, don't drive on it unless absolutely necessary.

 
Rep Power: 0

i had the same problem and had to replace mine (bout 150 for both), the second time i had to take them off i used a gear puller instead of a tie rod end tool, which is a little to aggressive to be used on rubber.

 
Rep Power: 319

were you able to actually replace the boots, or did you need a new tie rod completely? I've heard that you can't replace just the boots [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

I ordered some boots for mine and couldn't figure out how to get the oe ones off. I still have no clue. Then, the service writer at the dealership says that they never replace the boots and only do the tie-rod end as a whole. So, both of my boots have been torn for about 4-5 months and nothing has gone wrong. Eventually, when I upgrade the shocks, I will have honda replace them no matter what it involves.

If anyone can figure out how to get that boot off, please post it up!

 
Rep Power: 319

i've been driving around for 4-5 months with torn boots as well. I bet that's what's causing the new noises I hear when i turn the wheel

 
Rep Power: 319

I was out working on my car today and figured i'd snap some pics of my tie rod boots. tell me if this is bad; i've been driving around like this since June [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/IMG]

 
Rep Power: 0

Dayum Man! You tore those bad boys up! Mine are torn but yours look a wee bit more than torn! LOL I haven't looked at mine in so long I can't remember. Seems like I just got a tear on each side but they may be like yours now from moving around.

I tried everything to get those darn boots off. I don't think they come off. I was able to order a couple at the dealer. Cost ~3 bucks for both and I was excited that it was so cheap....I am not messing with them until I mess with the suspension again or the alignment goes out. I guess we'll just have to buy the ends and put them on ourselves and then go for that $60 alignment. Live and learn I guess..

Oh, you may want to spray em out with some wd-40 in the meantime.

 
Rep Power: 319

I would think that WD-40 would cause dirt to cling around it after awhile. maybe lithium grease. i haven't noticed any weird noises yet.