Tie Rod Grease Boots Bone Dry!

[subduction]

So for the first time in about 5 years of owning my 96 tahoe I decided to "look up her skirt" and see what's going on since I've never had the undercarriage lubed or serviced (I know, I suck). The tie rod dust boots are shrivelled and bone dry (first thing I'm going to take care of).

I have a bit of play in the wheel while steering. Will filling the tie rod grease fittings back to their plump state get rid of that play (2-3 inches of travel before car reacts when on the freeway)

If not, what will help, and is there anything else I should do since I'm playing car gynocologist for a day? ;P

Thanks All!

 

[Bigbill]

Sounds like you have a ad idler arm. Grease will help but will not last.

 

[subduction]

Thanks for the reply Bigbill. I bought a grease gun today and I'm pretty sure all the front end grease points are shot...Grease leaked out of all the boots (not from the valves)

Can I replace just the grease boots or do I need to get new tie rods / sterring rod / pitman rod?

Thanks.

 

[Woodstock]

Should really go that long with no grease. You probably should replace the tie rod ends, not expensive at all. Check Idler and pitman arms too. Free play in steering wheel can be from a bad rag joint. It is the joint where the lower steering shaft connects to the steering gear. Its hidden under a plastic shroud. You can get a kit to rebuild it if you are mechanically inclined and have the tools, or get a replacement lower shaft that will have the rag joint included. Its a PITA to rebuild, but it is a lot cheaper. To check it, twist the shroud up and off of the steering gear to expose the joint. Check for cracks, crumbly rubber pieces, etc. Have someone jiggle the wheel while you watch the joint move. A new joint will make a drastic improvement.