Broke two outer tie rod rubber caps.

[King Crush]

Ya when I separated 'em with the pickle fork it pokes a hole in both. Figured I got the thing all apart and before I get it together and aligned miles well buy new ones. You can't just replace the rubber it is built in. The weird thing was I went to Cheackers and they had the left in stock the right they had to order it. Well they both are made by Mcquray Norris I think, and one had a built in boot and the other I had to put it one. Also one is black and the other one is grey. Probably made a good shoice to spend about $100 and fix 'em. Anyone know is Mcquray Norris good quality?

 

[SuperRob]

Don't know the brands youre talking about...but....

I just replaced my OTRE's and had a hell of a time with the pickle fork. My recommendation: Next time take the nut off the bottom, and just smack the steering knuckle with a hammer. REAL HARD right where the TRE goes thru it. Because these are essentially a press fit, by hitting them with a hammer it usually shocks it all loose. No Pickle fork, no torn boots. You MAY need to use a little bit of pressure from the pickle fork...but so far I've never had to.

Good Luck

 

[MAKG]

The solution for this is .... don't use pickle forks to pop off tie rod ends.

I use a small Pitman arm puller. Works just fabulously, and doesn't damage cups at all. I paid $6 for it at Harbor Freight (less than a pickle fork!).

Now, since yours is broken, Help! and Energy Suspension both sell replacement cups. They aren't very expensive. Energy Suspension has them in pretty colors, and in polyurethane.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

Now, since yours is broken, Help! and Energy Suspension both sell replacement cups..

as do several other companies. most auto parts stores have them in stock. i replace mine whenever they develop a hole.

 

[Loanranger]

Anyone know is Mcquray Norris good quality?

These guys make alot of parts for the old Datsuns that nobody makes anymore, and I've never had a problem with any of their parts. IIRC, the ball joints in my ranger were made by these guys too, but I could be wrong.

 

[King Crush]

as do several other companies. most auto parts stores have them in stock. i replace mine whenever they develop a hole.

The stock caps were built into the tie rod itself there was no way of just replacing the cap.

 

[MAKG]

I've not seen an RBV TRE that does that, but if you really think so, replace both the TREs. They aren't very expensive.

 

[reddog5]

I had MOOG tierod ends that had replaceable rubber bots and zerk fittings as well.

Theese put an end to bent/ broken tie rods.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

I've not seen an RBV TRE that does that

nor have i. the caps pop right off of them.

 

[King Crush]

I had MOOG tierod ends that had replaceable rubber bots and zerk fittings as well.

Theese put an end to bent/ broken tie rods.

Those are some stout tie rods.

 

[Simple_serf]

I think the TRE for my truck were like $20 each...not too bad. I usually just loosen the nut and give it a good whack. My pickle fork seems to destroy everything it comes in contact with....or it might just me and my BFH getting pissed off.

 

[MAKG]

I like to use a small Pitman arm puller to pop out TREs. Doesn't do a thing to the grease cups.

 

[brendank]

I think you guys are making it more complicated than it really is. The tie rods aren't interference fit, so there's no need to press them off. What I've always done, even on rusted out old POS's that have had the same tie rod on for 20 years, is take the castle nut off, turn it upside down, and thread it about 3/4 back on. One or two taps from a hammer will get it off. No damage to the nut or tie rod, and no stupid puller to fool around with. It's that easy.