The inner tie-rod dust boots on my steering rack are torn and need replacing. While they're off, should I apply any grease to the rack parts that they cover? If so, what type of grease should I use?

Also, I need to replace the outer tie-rod ends, because the grease bellows are torn, though I can't feel any play in them, or any oher part of the front end. While I'm doing this, I considered replacing the struts (140k miles). The front end doesn't bounce abnormally when I firmly push down and release the bumper, but I noticed thick, dirty oil or grease near the top of one strut, just below its dust cover. Am I wasting $ changing the struts? The rear shocks were replaced about 40k miles ago, becasue they were obviously worn out.

Thanks,
Kcarl

At 142k I replaced the struts with Bilstien heavy duty struts. These are very stiff and feel every little blemish in the road but on the highway the car seems so stable even with pssengers. I feell that if a coyote ran out in front of me, I could cut a letter "S" around him. Replace the spring seats while your at it. Don't let the spring compressor get stuck in the tiny strut well when reinstalling.

Hi, about 3 1/2 years ago & 90K+ miles the local dealer told my wife we needed a steering rack replacement. They told her it would be about $950. I checked it out when my wife got home and all I could find was a loose driver side inner tie rod and a loose passenger side outer tie rod. I replaced those items, saved $900+ got an alignment and have yet to see any more bad rack symptoms. If all is tight on your's I would just replace the torn boot and outer ties. Good luck.

Time to replace the rack AND front struts, at the same time. Might as well get new sway bar end links while they are off. You will save $100 by only getting an alignment once :)

Make sure you get new hardware for the top strut mounts. Your car is going to handle much better, like a new car!

Klaus
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I still miss my 164 and my 854T. Just driving a V70R :)

Are you saying to replace the entire rack? Why not just the dust boots and outer tie-rod ends? I really can't find any play in anything.

Thanks,
Kcarl