wolfe10 wrote:
Dean,
Reality is that the boots were never meant to go 10+ years.
My "realistic" suggestion is to NOT worry with replacing a good tire rod end or attempt to find the boots (a snipe hunt).
Just grease the joints frequently and don't replace until there is mechanical play in them. I have seen joints treated this way go another 5 years/50,000+ miles.
Brett,
My case is similar to the OPs only, my issue is, both zerks have been damaged due to improper jacking or, collision with low road objects or ???? In any case, neither will accept grease. I have removed, re-tapped and inserted new grease zerks but, still no go.
My coach is an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330HP CAT. It's got the 10,410 lb. front axle. According to "Access Freightliner" drawings, I could one of two styles of tie-rod ends. I have narrowed it down to one particular set.
Un like the OP, who can continue to use his due to the fact that they will still accept grease, I think I have no choice but to R & R mine. May I ask what you think?
OP, I hope this is not hi-jacking your thread, just related in operation.
Scott
