Replacing ball joint/tie rod end dust boots

need RX7 · 09-21-2010, 01:07 PM

When I was removing the front suspension from my FC, the front wheels flopped over to about 45º positive camber due to lack of support at the top of the struts. This caused the dust boots on the tie rod ends and ball joints to tear.

The torn boots didn't see any road use, so I expect the joints should be undamaged. Today I popped off the boots and inspected the joints themselves. The grease was still in place, and once I wiped it off I saw no rust or other damage and there's no play in any of the joints.

Could I get away with just replacing the dust boots and grease? I noticed last time I was at O'Reilly's that they sell the dust boots individually, does anyone happen to know the size of the boots off hand? Mine are kind of smashed so getting measurements will be kind of hard.

09-21-2010, 01:07 PM	#1
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI iTrader: (0) Posts: 485 Rep Power: 17	Replacing ball joint/tie rod end dust boots When I was removing the front suspension from my FC, the front wheels flopped over to about 45º positive camber due to lack of support at the top of the struts. This caused the dust boots on the tie rod ends and ball joints to tear. The torn boots didn't see any road use, so I expect the joints should be undamaged. Today I popped off the boots and inspected the joints themselves. The grease was still in place, and once I wiped it off I saw no rust or other damage and there's no play in any of the joints. Could I get away with just replacing the dust boots and grease? I noticed last time I was at O'Reilly's that they sell the dust boots individually, does anyone happen to know the size of the boots off hand? Mine are kind of smashed so getting measurements will be kind of hard. __________________ -Ted -1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status. -1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress.