I just purchased an '87 245 and it "rattles" up front when driving on gravel at slower speeds and hitting bumps going slow...The alignment is perfect and I notice no problems when steering. We traced the clanging to the inner tie rod as it moves back and forth some...

1. should this inner tie rod be loose at all?

Also, when inspecting the rack/tie rods we took off the right hand boot and a bunch of fluid came out...does this indicated I need to replace the entire rack+rods? What damage/dangers can I be in if I only change the inner tie rods. Is some leakage normal or not? The ATF fluid was low although I have no idea when it was last checked. I will keep an eye on it now that it has been filled.

2. Is there somewhere that I can purchase a replacement seal found on the rack, underneath the boot so that I only need to replace the inner tie rods and that seal to prevent leaking and avoid replacing the entire rack?

3. Is there a forum on brickboard that explains each step/procedure/precautions necessary if I do have to replace the entire rack?

4. Thank you for any responses, I am a new member of this board and NEW VOLVO OWNER!!!

Thanks-

Jamie