I'm guessing this isn't right?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 19, 2009 | 09:03 AM

Pineapple1

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 138

Likes: 0

From: Richwood NJ

I'm guessing this isn't right?

Took these two pictures while I was changing my rear brakes the other day. I'm not sure what you call these rubber "boots", but they sure look bad! The the driver's and the passenger's side boots have been split in multiple locations. I think the previous owner had lowered the car a bit - but I'm not sure. Maybe that has something to do with it?

What exactly are these boots covering? Is there a bushing or something underneath that I should inspect or be concerned about? Thanks!

Driver's Side:

Passenger's Side:

Apr 19, 2009 | 10:02 AM

timemender

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,217

Likes: 5

From: Stark County Ohio

Those are your outer tie-rods (tie-rod ends). These connect your steering rack assembly to the steering knuckles. The steering knuckles are the pivot points of your front wheels and they support the axles, wheels, brake calipers.

If the tie-rod boots are cracked all the way through allowing dirt into the joint & allowing the grease to dry up, its time to replace them. Over time, if the grease in the (tie-rod) joint dries up, failure of the joint will result. Not a good thing.

Apr 19, 2009 | 10:14 AM

Patches

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 23,283

Likes: 906

From: Lake Elsinore, CA

Actually, these are the outer ends of the rear suspension adjustment links (item 57 in illustration below). Note he mentioned it's the rear suspension and you can see the parking brake assembly. You should replace them with part # 26058600 and get an alignment.

Apr 19, 2009 | 10:27 AM

Pineapple1

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 138

Likes: 0

From: Richwood NJ

Thanks! This is great info. Patches is correct, this is on the rear of the car (though I should probably inspect the front now too). I'll check out the part number you mentioned and get them replaced!

Out of curiosity, Is this a typical repair for a 10 year old car with 80,000 miles? Also, would these be causing any noticeable symptoms while driving.

Apr 19, 2009 | 11:13 AM

timemender

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 1,217

Likes: 5

From: Stark County Ohio

[QUOTE=Patches;1569761965]Actually, these are the outer ends of the rear suspension adjustment links (item 57 in illustration below). Note he mentioned it's the rear suspension and you can see the parking brake assembly. You should replace them with part # 26058600 and get an alignment.

Thanks for the correction Patches.

I didn't read the text very well. No excuse but I shouldn't post on the forum as soon as I wake up in the morning.

Now I see the drive axles in the second photo.

Apr 19, 2009 | 05:05 PM

Pineapple1

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 138

Likes: 0

From: Richwood NJ

No worries! I appreciate the help either way. Hey, does anybody out there know how much these parts will set me back? I can't find them listed on gmpartsdirect.com I guess I'd have to go to the dealer?

Apr 19, 2009 | 05:36 PM

Patches

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 23,283

Likes: 906

From: Lake Elsinore, CA

It's there but looks like it needs to be bought as a set.

Apr 19, 2009 | 07:19 PM

Bill Curlee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 32,910

Likes: 2,402

From: Anthony TX

CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet

St. Jude Donor '08

IF,,,,,you pop the tie rod end off and inspect it, you may find it to still be in good shape even though the boots look like hell.

If that is the case, you can go to NAPA and they sell just the rubber boots that you can replace the old ones. That way you can reassemble it and you wont even disturb the alignment.

Another route to possibly pursue.

BC