Tie Rod end Boot replacements

I tore up my drivers side tie rod end boot while replacing my lower ball joints. This was after I realized that the hammer tapping trick shown on Low Range Offroad's videos wasn't going to work, and before I knew that renting the tie rod puller tool from AutoZone was the way to go.

I initially used a pickle fork, which is now in the garbage can because not once in 15 years has it worked properly or left any rubber parts near the ball joints I'm trying to separate intact. What a horrible tool a pickle fork is.

Anyway, I went to every auto parts store in town and searched the internet for an hour (including Amazon, Ebay and general Google search) looking for the replacement tie rod end boots with the metal bands on top and bottom with no luck.

Finally, I called the stealership, who had to look up the part based on my VIN#, and they quoted me $47.96 for the boot and 2 retaining bands. I just about fell over in my chair.

Low Range Off Road sells good quality Japanese made tie rods complete for $30. Mine are tight and in good condition. Seems a waste to replace them because the boot tore, but there is no way in hell I'm going to pay over $50 (with tax) for a rubber ball end joint boot from Toyota.

Does anyone know of an alternative (with the retaining bands to keep grease in/ water and dirt out) that works?

Thanks

 

OEM outer tie rods are available on-line for $45.10 or less each. I don't think the boot even has a part number. I think it is easier to replace the whole tie rod than fitting a boot on it.

 

Could also check aftermarket. Moog. I end up replacing mine just about every 2 years, you get quick at it.

 

Why? I haven't replaced my OEM in 22 years even I have a spare pair on shelf.

 

The boot is as simple to replace as pulling off the metal bands and removing and replacing the rubber boot - then replacing the metal bands. I've done it before on another vehicle where the same style boot was readily available as an aftermarket part (much smaller than the Tacoma boots, or I'd use the same boots).

The parts guy specifically said that the price he quoted was for the boot, the smaller band and the larger band, and that it would have to be ordered, and would arrive Wednesday. It was NOT for the whole tie rod assy.

I'll keep hunting for a boot that will fit, and in the mean time will keep pumping grease into the torn boot to preserve the tie rod joint until I either find a boot or until it wears out and I replace it.

 

Because larger tires, lift, and backwoods exploration causes wear on components designed for not lift or heavier tires. I also like to change parts first sign of fatigue. I like my steering tight. heh.

 

I got it, the price he quoted was for complete tie rod end plus labor of removing boot from it minus scrap metal price for tie rod end without the rubber boot.

 

Yeah, I wish. I just called back to confirm (and told him I thought he was quoting for the whole tie rod, not just the boot). He reconfirmed it was the price for the bellows and retaining clips only. He didn't give a damned when I told him the entire Genuine Toyota tie rod was available for less from other dealerships.

I try to avoid Freeman Toyota in Santa Rosa. I'll try Camelback as they are very helpful and competitively priced. I got my lower ball joints from them and they beat every online OEM Toyota price for those parts.

 

Oh, stupid me. I forgot about mods. That explains. I run stock the way Toyota designed this truck and thanks to that all parts wear slowly.

You may also try trdparts.com. They took care of me last time

 

I can only imagine how nice that is haha

 

You can get a boot and a replacement tie rod as an added bonus for $42.65:

https://parts.conicellitoyotaofcons...e/steering-cat/steering-gear-and-linkage-scat

 

Not bad. Makes me wonder if what RysiuM said is true - that the dealership that quoted me the boot and spring clips for $47.96 just removes the boot and throws away or re-boots the tie rod. I'm going to keep looking for a while, and maybe visit Pick N Pull and pull one off another Tacoma or vehicle with similar sized boot.

 

It is kind of stupid you can't but this piece of rubber. It is like you would have to buy the whole CV axle because they would not sell you a boot.

 

Hey Taco Loco 04
have extra parts from my complete rebuilt tacoma. check out my recently posted thread. I have extra ball joint, and some boots im not going to be using. i have tie rod for passenger side because i need the driver side. They are new.
LMK if you want it. or just the boot.

 

IIRC... I believe you can buy replacement boots from Energy Suspension. I have the master kit, and I believe that is what came in the kit. I can check tonight when I get home for you. I still have them. If I do, I'd be happy to get them your way.

Maybe someone else can chime in, but I believe that's correct.

 

Thanks tacopashka! If Ryan's Energy Suspension boots aren't the correct ones with the springs to hold the grease in, I'll definitely take you up on either the boot or the whole tie rod with boot.

I appreciate that Ryan. Please let me know what you find out!

Edit: If the Energy Suspension boots are these:


I'm not sure how well they seal in the grease, as they are designed to slip over the ball and sit on the cup. OEM is clamped over the cup edge with steel spiral clamps, and the rubber boots have a spring groove on the outside.

 

Alright let me know. The clamps that came with mine are trash but the boot itself seems to be Of the same material as the original

 

Hi, I'd be glad to pay shipping and something for the boot you have if you're still willing to part with it?

Thanks!

 

You need both?
Honestly, if you cover shipping, I'm totally cool with that. I'll try to send you some photos of it right now. I bought them with the whole front suspension struts. They gave me a bunch of other parts for like $150. I think Detroit axle is the name of the company.

 

Uk what, I'll just go ahead and ship them out to you. And I'll send you my PP.