Checking the dust boots and play of the tie rod ends

Regularly check the condition of the dust boots (arrow) on the tie rod ends. A cracked boot lets moisture and dirt into the tie rod joint, causing it to wear out. Tie rod ends with torn boots must be replaced completely; the boots cannot be purchased separately as spare parts.

The ball joint tie rod ends located at the outer ends consist of steel ball studs seated in a plastic socket with a small amount of grease; they themselves do not require maintenance. They are protected from dust and moisture by rubber dust boots, whose condition must be checked frequently:

PROCEDURE

Check the entire surface of the dust boots for cracks.

Tie rod ends with cracked boots must always be considered defective and replaced.

You can determine whether the joints have play by raising the vehicle and rocking the wheel back and forth about its vertical axis, or by shaking the tie rod itself.

Another option: have an assistant turn the wheel while you feel the joint by hand to check for play (vehicle standing on the ground).

If play is detected, replace the tie rod end immediately!
Check the rubber-metal joints of the tie rod at the connection to the steering gear in the same way. If one of the bearings is defective, the entire tie rod must unfortunately be replaced.