Inner Tie Rod service

[Rusty67]

Last time I had my car aligned they said one of my inner tie rods was going bad. How do I check to make sure they weren't trying to sucker me ?

I have the Ford shop manual and I've looked up how to service the inner tie rod. I've also done a search on the forum but didn't find anything about the inner tie rod at all. Has anyone ever done this ?

I can get my hands on the special tool to remove/install the inner tie rod itself off amazon for under 50 bux shipped.

Mainly, I want to know how hard this is to do and if there is anything special to look out for ? Also, I'm wondering where to get a pair of the special pliers to clamp the new dust boot rings on with. I'm not going to use zip ties since the Ford manual specifically warns against it. Last, what kind of grease do I use ? Should I just go buy the grease from Ford ?

 

[Mike97gt]

there is no grease needed, the new inner tie rod will come with the grease in the joint already..

You will need the special tool.. You may be able to rent it or borrow it from a parts store..

To check the inner tie rod you need to jack the car up and grab the wheel in the 9 and 3 o'clock position and you want to jerk the wheel firmly in both directions ( like the steering wheel was being turned)

 

[Rusty67]

Thanks, that sounds about right. Would it be ok to use hose clamps to replace the metal dust boot seal bands ?

When checking the tie rods, how much play is excessive/acceptable ?