Tie rod end - boot replacement?

[cbarrow]

While doing the front brakes, I noticed that the near-side tie rod end boot had a small split in it. It is possible to replace the boot (DIY with simple tools) without replacing the whole tie rod end? I want to avoid having to do the tracking again... which I guess I would need to do if replacing whole tie rod end. Thanks

[MacV50]

I don't think you can get the boot as the track rod ends are not expensive *

In theory, if you get the same brand of track rod end, you can count the turns when you remove it and put the new one on the same number of turns. The alignment should then be the same as before

* unless you get from Volvo. Just had my service and timing belt done and they said I need a new drivers side track rod end. Their quote - £441!!!

[cbarrow]

Yikes, was that £441 just for the track rod end!

I guessed as much. Looks like I'll be replacing the track rod end. Have people had success getting the old one out with using a special puller? Trying to avoid having to buy more tools.

[spaceman2844]

Originally Posted by cbarrow

Yikes, was that £441 just for the track rod end!

I guessed as much. Looks like I'll be replacing the track rod end. Have people had success getting the old one out with using a special puller? Trying to avoid having to buy more tools.

Just had driver's side track rod end replaced at a local independent when I noticed a split boot when I DIYed the front pads and discs last week. £138 including 4 wheel alignment. Same issue with the boot being split, but presumed there was already grit and dirt in it so didn't consider only replacing the boot.

Also had timing belt and service at local dealer recently and the split boot was mentioned. I didn't ask the price and now glad I didn't!

[MacV50]

Their pricing is just weird. They also quoted over £400 for the aux belt but the replacement mirror indicator was £129 and ultimately covered by warranty

[V60white]

Originally Posted by cbarrow

Yikes, was that £441 just for the track rod end!

I guessed as much. Looks like I'll be replacing the track rod end. Have people had success getting the old one out with using a special puller? Trying to avoid having to buy more tools.

Just replaced the offside tre on the V60. Had same problem, split boot.
New one with five year warranty, just over £22, delivered.

Used a standard puller to remove the knuckle from the hub and backed the locknut off one half turn..marked the thread position and unscrewed the tre and replaced with a complete new one. Screwed back up to position and locked the nut up.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by cbarrow

Yikes, was that £441 just for the track rod end!

I guessed as much. Looks like I'll be replacing the track rod end. Have people had success getting the old one out with using a special puller? Trying to avoid having to buy more tools.

Why do you need a puller to remove the track rod end?

Don’t you just undo the big nut on top of the track rod end, put the nut back on and tap it with a hammer so threads don’t get damaged, then undo the locknut and screw the track rod off? I don’t see why the knuckle needs to be separated from the hub either. Seems like a lot of work, unless these newer models are designed completely different to old.

[V60white]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Why do you need a puller to remove the track rod end?

Don’t you just undo the big nut on top of the track rod end, put the nut back on and tap it with a hammer so threads don’t get damaged, then undo the locknut and screw the track rod off? I don’t see why the knuckle needs to be separated from the hub either. Seems like a lot of work, unless these newer models are designed completely different to old.

Yes, undo nut but in my case it would not release at all with a "tap" even with the ball joint separator it wouldn't shift but a "fork" did the job...I said knuckle but I was referring to the ball joint, sorry ! ...my bad !!!!