Next problem - tie rod end boot

[highhilleer]

On my 79 Midget my tie rod ends are in good shape but the boots have suffered dry rot. The Moss catalog shows part 262-220 is good for the older Midgets but they do not have a listing for a 79. I called Moss but could not get a definitive answer - may fit but may not! However for an extra $25 I can get new tie rod ends.
TIA
John

 

[jlaird]

Change the tie rod ends, you will never ever need to do it again.

 

[tosoutherncars]

<span style="font-weight: bold">*EDIT* Ignore me... I thought you were talking about the steering rack boots. No, the later 1275 and 1500 come with a 'modern' tie rod end, preassembled.</span>

Lots of places sell the boot kit, alone. (...) Stretch, sweat, swear, repeat.

Vicky Brit - https://www.victoriabritish.com/ICATALOG/SM/full.aspx?Page=97 Item #11, p/n 5-160
Moss - https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29292 Item #37, p/n 680-058

 

[JPSmit]

I can't imagine they wouldn't fit. Duncan is right about the stretch swear etc but our 76's surely have the same components. You might able to confirm by checking parts numbers across years for the tie rod ends etc. etc.

 

[highhilleer]

Well that wasn't what I wanted to hear! At least the tie rod ends are reasonably priced.

 

[JPSmit]

Victoria British seems to have a boot kit

Victoriabritish.com part # 5-160 pg 97 in the catalogue the kit is 19.95

 

[highhilleer]

Victoria British seems to have a boot kit

Victoriabritish.com part # 5-160 pg 97 in the catalogue the kit is 19.95

That wasn't the part I'm looking for, I was hoping to find something like part 0-193 on page 96, except to fit a '79.

However, I may replace the rack boots "while I'm at it".

Thanks

 

[JPSmit]

OK, now I understand. good luck! the other thing you could maybe do is buy them and see if you can make them fit - Or, pull a tie rod end and see if you can spend some time in the parts bin of a local suspension shop.

 

[jlaird]

duct tape, I vote for duct tape, hehe.

 

[highhilleer]

duct tape, I vote for duct tape, hehe.

I would go for that if I could find some good NOS duct tape. I just don't think Asian import duct tape has the quality.

I ask about trying one of the old style boots and was assured it wouldn't work due to the "integrated" design of the new ones.

I've decided to just bite the bullet and put on new tie rod ends.

Thanks for the input.

John

 

[jlaird]

You know duct tape would work to keep the grit out wile waiting for new boots.

 

[Jeff_Sigrist]

I had the same issue on my 76 midget. I went to Auto Zone and bought generic tie rod boots. I won't say they sealed the same as the originals but figured they would keep some dirt out. When the tie rods wear, I will replace them. That has been 4 years and 20,000+ miles. The tie rods are still tight.

Jeff

 

[highhilleer]

I had the same issue on my 76 midget. I went to Auto Zone and bought generic tie rod boots. I won't say they sealed the same as the originals but figured they would keep some dirt out. When the tie rods wear, I will replace them. That has been 4 years and 20,000+ miles. The tie rods are still tight.

Jeff

<span style="font-weight: bold">generic </span> now that gives me something to work on! $2 at Advanced Auto - worth a gamble.

 

[jlaird]

There is also a type that has a kind of zipper on one side.