relay rod end clanging (1 Viewer)

[semlin]

darn I need to leave the radio off now and then so I notice these things before they are too far gone. The boot is torn on the driver's side where the relay rod meets the pitman arm and it has progressed to the point where a quick 1/8 turn of the wheel and back gives me a nice clang pretty consiostently and I can see some play, but it does not sound in normal driving. Am I danger of busting anything if I drive it this way on the street for another week or two?

Also, should I replace both relay rod ends at the same time and, if I do that, should I do the tie rods too? I see Christo has what looks like a great deal on a set of all 4.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Unless the other rod end is moving, there's no reason to replace it. Yours seems to have developed some slack from the torn boot and subsequent grit/loss of grease. The clang sounds odd, by the way - are you absolutely sure this is the sound of your rod end??

Also no reason to replace tie rods unless they're afflicted. In fact, if you actually get under there with someone turning the wheel back and forth and discover the torn boot end isn't really loose, I believe the boot itself is available as a part.

DougM

 

[semlin]

it is coming from the relay rod end. you can see the play visually and the big screwdriver to my ear and to the rod end confirms it. It is a single solid metallic sound.

the boot has apn# right on it but wouldn't it be too late to just replace the boot if I've got metal on metal wear?

 

[IdahoDoug]

If you've got too much wear, yeah. But if it's fractional movement, some grease will dampen it and it may feel fine again. Can you tell if there's movement in the other one to compare?


DougM

 

[semlin]

I'll check it again for play. I listened to it with the screwdriver and it was making no sound.

 

[IdahoDoug]

A little movement's OK and grease dampens and silences as well. So depending on what you find when you pull it to put a new seal on - ...

DougM

 

[Rich]

Any rod ends that are worn to the point that they clank are due for replacement. The joint should be quite snug. Loose enough to knock , clank, or clang is worn out.

 

[IdahoDoug]

I'll meet ya halfway on that one. They develop slack at some point midway through their life. At some point the slack is acceptable and at some future point it's not. If in doubt and feel like spending money, ask a shop who's only possible answer is "replace it". If you've got a buddy with wrenching experience, ask him.

At 142k, mine probably have some slack and if they got dry from a torn boot I'd probabably hear them, open and grease them and put a new booty on.

OTOH, they're not rocket science to replace, or expensive. And there's no denying Rich's advice is correct.

DougM

 

[semlin]

update, I injected the torn boot full of grease today using this cool new grease gun needle attachment I picked up at the auto shop. It has stopped the clanging completely but I can still see the play.

I will still replace the rod ends, but it seems that Doug is right that you can squeeze a little more life if you replace the boot.

 

[IdahoDoug]

I use that needle on CV joints as well. wipe the spot on the boot you're gonna puncture with rubbing alcohol after degreasing, inject, then a dab of silicone. Then squeeze the boot around to massage it into the joint. Poor man's CV lube job.

DougM