I went to AutoZone and bought a new outer tie rod. It comes with a rubber half circle thing but it doesn't lok like it is the actuall bushing. It looks like it just covers up part of the tie rod. So do I still need to go buy a bushing for this?? The old bushing was shot so I can't reuse it.

Thanks Ken

Tie rod ends don't have bushings. There is a cup shaped rubber boot that is placed over the stud before it is inserted into the knuckle. This boot keeps dirt and water out of the joint.

What bushing are you referring to?

------------------
"Its a Fiero thing... Heck, even I don't understand!"

Timothy E. Smith
1986 SE V6
1985 GT (parts car)
1984 Coupe
1996 Ford Probe GT
1999 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
1975 Chevrolet ElCamino SS

That rubber cap thing is the tie rod end dust cover. It fills up and holds grease when you lube the tie rod. There is no "bushing" on the outer tie rods. There is a bushing on the passenger side of the steering rack where the inner tie rod goes in. But, this will not be included with the inner tie rod end. If that's the bushing you're referring to, get one from Rodney Dickman. Other bushings are found control arm and on the sway bar. Can you give us more info?

Thank you that is what I thought. I didn't think that was the bushing for it but just wanted to make sure before I go to the store and buy one. Ths bushing is for the rear outer tie rod. I think that pep boys has them in stock.

Thanks Ken

[This message has been edited by MooCow (edited 09-19-2002).]

There is no bushing even on the rear outer tie rod.

quote Originally posted by batboy: There is no bushing even on the rear outer tie rod.

On the frame (the cradle) attaching point.

That's the inner tie rod. There is no bushing on the outer one.

So then it is just the dust shiled that goes on and nothing else right?? No other rubber piece or anything?? I swear there has to be anotehr piece of rubber cause when it moves it will just be rubbing almost metal to metal cause the dust shiled rubber isnt that thick.

Thanks Ken

Are you referring to the front or rear? The rear has a toe link rod that bolts to the cradle and has an outer tie rod end on it. Is that it?

------------------
"Its a Fiero thing... Heck, even I don't understand!"

Timothy E. Smith
1986 SE V6
1985 GT (parts car)
1984 Coupe
1996 Ford Probe GT
1999 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
1975 Chevrolet ElCamino SS

Yes, that's what he's referring to.

quote Originally posted by MooCow: I swear there has to be anotehr piece of rubber cause when it moves it will just be rubbing almost metal to metal cause the dust shiled rubber isnt that thick. Thanks Ken

There's nothing more.

Before you remove the old outer toe link compare the new part to the old one (hopefully still on the car). Measure, spray paint, put a piece of tape etc. to mark where the end of the toe link is threaded onto the link itself before you remove it. If you already have it off you should be able to tell by the line where the corrosion starts.

You will want to compare the distance between the center of the ball to the tapped end of the link. Not all outer toe links are made or cast exactly the same as the factory ones. Meaning if you thread this one on the same distance as the old one, your pivot point (center of the ball stud) may not be where it should be.

This way you'll have it close enough to take it in to have it aligned. I'd suggest having the alignment done and checked anyway so you know it's right. I'd grease the joint if it has a zerk fitting, I think they come greased, but I do it anyway.

[This message has been edited by Tigger (edited 09-20-2002).]