Clicking in Steering: Solved but need advice

[camrybartockus]

Thanks to Cody for getting back to my last thread about the clicking steering. Turns out it was a steering gear boot on the drivers side.
I guess the sound went away temporarily when grease had penetrated it when I was actually greasing the steering shaft balljoint.

My question now: I have sprayed grease all over the boot and surronding area which has stopped the noise temporarily. I plan to replace the boot a.s.a.p. Since the noise goes away when the boot is covered in new grease (and it obvisouly gets inside) - does this mean replacing to boot is enough - filled with oil would do the trick? Or will the steering rod have to be replaced?

Speaking of which - if i replace the boot - will the tie rod end actually have to be removed? I kow you need a "puller" Or can i just undo the tie rod near the tie rod end - where there appears to be a screw like connection. I think you just need two wrenches.

Lastly, what is the trick to filling the boot up with new oil? Will I need special equipment?


Thanks so much Cody.

[toyomoho]

If the noise is from under the steering housing boot the issue is a worn rack bushing or the tie rod end. There is a swivel at the end of the rod going into the boot.

If you want to replace the boot, remove the tie rod end. The tie rod shaft that attached to the steering knuckle is tapered. When the nut holding the tie rod to the knuckle is tightened it wedges the shaft into the hole. This is why a puller is used to pull out the shaft.