Can someone tell me what this is? (answer: tie rod boot)

[94EJ22]

I was doing an oil change on my Legacy and noticed that a boot was separated what is it?

[alexandermf]

Loooks to me like your tie rod

[94EJ22]

Are you sure?

[alexandermf]

I'm 99.9% sure, if u see that nut on the lefthand side and the threads to the right of it.... thats what they use to adjust when doing allignments and such

[94EJ22]

Okay, thanks for the info.

[FundamentalyConfused]

Is that boot off the steering rack? The tie rod attaches to the steering rack and those have boots.

[94EJ22]

It could be, I'm not sure that's why asked. I wanna get whatever is and change it sooner than later.

[94EJ22]

Would this be what I need: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Steering- ... 24&vxp=mtr

[94EJ22]

bump

[matt00rs25]

Yep

[alexandermf]

Ahh makes much more sense

[oldscoobyturbo]

tie rod boot

[FundamentalyConfused]

That boot from ebay looks like what you need.

It's easy to change too but you pretty much need to have an alignment done afterwards because the tie rod end must come off.

*addition*

I didn't really look very close the first time at the pic. That is the steering rack boot.

You have to take the outer tie rod end off to pull it off and put the new one back on the inner tie rod. There's only 2 clamps holding the boot on.

Unless you're really mechanically savvy you're going to need an alignment after the outer tie rod end goes back on.

[Legacy777]

Depending on how stuck the outer tied rod is, there is a chance of damaging the dust boot on the outer tie rod. If you do, you really should replace it. When you remove the outer tie rod, count the number of revolutions it takes to get it off. Then count the number of rotations when you put it back on. This will get you in the ball park, but as mentioned, you will need an alignment.

I also would suggest cleaning the inner tie rod and check for gunk. If the boot has been torn for a while, dirt and grime may have gotten in there and may cause premature wear of the rack.

[94EJ22]

I think the boot has been torn for at least a month, I haven't had any steering issues at all luckily. Although I haven't been driving it much lately. I will change the boot in the next week or so when I change my struts and take it to get an alignment after. Hopefully it didn't do anything to the tie rods or the steering rack. I had the tie rods/ends replaced a few months ago.