DeTomaso Mailing List: January 2001, Message #150

In a message dated 1/4/01 14:54:33, Melton01@email.msn.com writes:

<< In looking at the ball with the boot removed, I see a channel on
either side of the ball, currently with a piece of plastic or rubber
stuffed in them.
It looks like if I drill a zerk fitting in the back side, these two
channels
would allow the grease to flow around the ball.  This is contrary to what
I heard that these tie rods can not be lubed this way.
(I have "stock" tie rod ends as best as I can tell.)
Has anybody added a zerk fitting for lubing ?

>>>That would be the LAST thing you want to do!  The steering rack (and the 
tie rods) are filled (and lubricated) with 80/90w gearbox oil.  Grease is a 
no-no.  Even if you managed to grease the tie rods, the oil would soon get to 
the grease.

Life is complicated enough as it is...:>)

>Next:  The tie rod boots I just received (TRW Federal-Mogul #969206)
fit very poorly.  There is about an 1/8" gap where the base of the boot
would attach with the assembly, in the area where the stock boots have
that coil/spring ring that fits in the base groove.
There is also about an 1/8" gap between the boot where the shaft goes
through it.
It seems I could somehow glue/RTV/Seal the base of the boot to the
assembly...perhaps leaving an area "open", such that I could insert my
grease needle for lubing, if no zerk fitting were added at the bottom.
Does one just leave this 1/8" gap around the shaft ?

>>>No way--something is wrong.  A 1/8 inch gap anywhere would quickly result 
in a puddle of 80/90w gear oil on the ground, and a dry rack. :<(  The 
quality vendor-derived boots I've worked with were virtually EXACTLY the same 
as stock, and fit tightly enough that they would almost seal without any 
clamps whatsoever.  Whatever you got ain't the right thing.

>I've been told by Mike that these boots are one of the better types
available,
which is hard to believe considering how they fit.

>>>Yes, I'm amazed.  Did you procure these on your own or through a vendor?  
If you got 'em on your own, it's your fault. :<(  If you got 'em from a 
vendor, they goofed up and need to make it right.

Mike