Michael:
Which end of the tie rods? If you are referring to the end with
the ball joint, then I would think the boot could be optional, although
my ball joints happen to have boots. They are prelubed, so not much to
worry about there. You can only add boots by replacing the ball joints
as the boots are not a separately serviced item, as far as I know.
If you are referring to the end of the tie rod that attaches to
the steering rack, then yes you have a problem. Get a new boot kit on
there mui pronto, and get that rack regreased. The joints on the end of
the rack are not intended to be exposed to water, dirt and grit, and
will wear out in a big hurry if not protected. The boot kit is Moss part
number 680-058 and costs $18.
Vance
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-6pack@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-6pack@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of SamuelsMA@aol.com
Sent: July 15, 2006 11:29 AM
To: 6pack@autox.team.net
Subject: tie rods
Listers:
<snip>
Anyway, the point of this note is that we were looking over the
suspension
together with the car on the lift. The P.O. was a pretty meticulous guy
and
redid the suspension with swaybars, Konis, rear shock conversion,
improved
steering rack mounts, and judicious lowering. The mechanic was going
over
things for tightness, when he pointed out that the tie rod ends had no
rubber
boots on them (either side). He said every other car he has seen has
boots to
hold the grease in place. If one boot were missing and one were in
place, the
problem would have been obvious, but with both missing I began to
wonder
whether this was some sort of Triumph idiosyncrasy. What is the story
here?
BTW, what is the best source for a trunnion oiling tool? The red
restoration book indicates that it is best to oil them, rather than
grease them.
Thanks as always.
Michael
'76 Tahiti blue
CF 57044U
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