How do I replace the inner tie rods on a 94 accord?
You might consider having this done by a shop. It isn't time consuming if you have the right tools (particularly a ball joint separator - NOT a pickle fork), but is a devil without them. An alignment is mandatory afterward. Still interested? Mike
If the boot hasn't been cracked for too long you may get away with just replacing the boot. If the grease is contaminated with crud you'll want to at least wash it out and repack it. So long as it has not become worn you're probably fine not replacing it.
"What he said." It can take a looong time for dirt to work its way into the joint. Buy a new boot for now and clean/repack the ball joint when you replace it. If you find the joint to be dry or full of grit, THEN you might have a problem...
Pop the outer tie rod balljoint from the steering knuckle. Check for in/out movement on the tie rod. If none, replace the boot and be done with it. Make sure you reinstall the outer tie rod PRECISELY as it came off, to preserve your steering alignment. Chances are excellent the inner joint is just fine in spite of the split boot.
Doug, this is the part that requires the proper tool. Use only a ball joint separator, not a "pickle fork" or you will have to replace the tie rod. If the boot on the ball joint is already torn (you mention grease coming out, but it could be coming from around the boot instead of through a split) the boot at least needs to be replaced. Long ago somebody posted a source for ball joint boots but I don't have it. I found http://www.energysuspension.com/pages/tierboots.html in Google. As Teg says, install it exactly as it comes off. Don't let it rotate 360 degrees or you will need alignment. If the tie rod actually needs replacement, the process this far is the same. In addition, the connection at the rack is separated by double wrenching with a 22 mm wrench and a 17 mm wrench (IIRC). Be careful not to torque on the rack much when doing that; just squeeze the two wrenches together when removing and when installing. Match the new tie rod to the length of the old one, but an alignment is still mandatory.
