Toyota Avalon Inner Tie Rod Boot Replacement (Driver's Side)

This video will show you how I replaced the damaged inner tie rod end accordion dust boots on a 2002 Toyota Avalon. The damage was caused by, what I assume, a poorly trained or careless technician performing a front end alignment tie adjustment. He did not removed the boot clamps off the boots BEFORE he began his inner tie rod adjustments. So the boots turned, twisted and deformed with every turn of the inner tie rod! Since the boots stretch and compress with the turn of the front wheels, the stress placed on the deformed boots cracked open the boots. Unless the boots are replaced, the boot openings will allow moisture and dirt to penetrate into the bearing housing (greased ball in socket) which will cause premature wear. When the inner tie rods wear out, steering wheel free play will increase, result in uneven tire wear and worst case, loss of steering control.
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Toyota Camry, Avalon, Solara, Lexus ES 300, '97'01 (Haynes Repair Manual)
amzn.to/34wmbXJ

[@patm2543]

Detailed and easy to follow. Videos are very educational and enjoyable. Could watch them all day

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad you like them!

[@gzhang207]

Thank for another great video. I like the new style better since it has an introductory on the diagnosis, ie why the part needs to be changed. I hope all your future videos include a diagnosis portion.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks ... will try talking about what's wrong before starting the repair.

[@PepE-fm7fm]

You are a real professional, Thank you.

[@hardlymovingpro]

I appreciate that!

[@cezaryrenoir2456]

Love your videos ,did a lot o DIY jobs on my 97 2,2 Camry .Keep it up men. Greetings from Poland

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks for your comment and support! The Camry with the 2.2 is a great car!

[@bg147]

Wow. I noticed tonight mine was split on my 2007 Camry 3.5 and I figured it was a huge job. Thank you.

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@elgatogordo9523]

Great video as always 👍

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks and appreciate your support!

[@elgatogordo9523]

@@hardlymovingpro Of course! Your videos had helped me and my son work on his 97 Camry and my 94 Lexus ES300 👍

[@Mail4dalej]

Great camera work.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad you liked it!

[@nestorroman2694]

Thanks for the excellent information Sir! Have same issue.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad it helped!

[@soulfoodproductions1505]

🤔good detailed video🤜

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@craigkennedy5328]

Thanks HMP for showing tie end boot replacement. Just noticed I need to replace a split one on my 98 Camry. For your info, I wanted to share with you I found a new stretchable universal boot on the market that potentially saves having to remove the tie rod end and getting a realignment. The product is called “Stretch Rakboot” and can be found online. Australian manufacturer. The small end of the boot stretches and slides over the tie rod end using a lubricated fitting sleeve. I just ordered a kit and will see if it works. Will let you know how it goes. Otherwise, I’ll buy the standard boot and do the usual procedure as you’ve kindly shown. Regards.

[@craigkennedy5328]

I imagine by marking the tie rod and end as shown and re-fitting, the alignment wouldn’t be too far off. Just got new tyres and alignment about 6 months ago so keen to avoid the cost of another alignment if I can help it! Hope the ends are in good condition! Thanks HMP!

[@hardlymovingpro]

You can try using paint marks for realignment to save on the cost of another alignment job.

[@craigkennedy5328]

Just did the steering boot replacement using the Stretch Boots. After needing a ball joint separator tool, the install of the RakBoots was surprisingly easy and effective. If you don’t wish to undo the tie rod ends, the stretchable option is certainly a worthwhile alternative. They’re a few dollars more than standard boots (plus delivery). Not sure if there’s another brand in the US but the idea is good for the DIY.

[@mostafasalem1173]

Thanks a lot

[@hardlymovingpro]

Most welcome!

[@amazegh2000]

thank you

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@sarmadqasim6607]

Thanks 🙏

[@hardlymovingpro]

You’re welcome 😊

[@osquare8638]

This video is very helpful, thank you. What type of grease is this?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Bearing grease.

[@CleoPettigrew3rd]

Great video! Which brand tie rode you suggest for 2015 Acura TLX v6?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks! Moog, Dephi, Dorman, Centric, TRW, Mevotech

[@MyRcGoSlow]

Like a pro gonna do this to my Tacoma minus the alignment shop part

[@hardlymovingpro]

Good luck with the repair!

[@jonnydwolf]

Since you took the time to perfectly align the outer tie rod, is an alignment really necessary in this case?

[@hardlymovingpro]

As long as the steering wheel doesn't pull to the left or right, you should be okay. Keep an eye on the tread wear.

[@timothy5974]

Great channel, you have taught me a lot. I have a question? If I cannot hold the rack shaft while removing the old tie rod, will this cause serious damage to my rack itself and create leaks? Thank you.

[@hardlymovingpro]

If I understand your question correctly, the "rack shaft" is the inner tie rod. If so, you won't cause any damage by rotating the inner tie rod since the end of the shaft (covered by the accordion boot) is a "ball in socket".

[@timothy5974]

Actually I mean the rack itself where the inner tie rod screws into. Thanx

[@hardlymovingpro]

I don't think you'll cause any leakage.

[@SibRevs]

Hello Hardly Moving Productions, where did you get this part from? Thanks

[@hardlymovingpro]

rockauto

[@charger6773]

👍

[@ahmadmohd1504]

Why did you open the lock nut and tire rod ? Is n't possible it slide it with grease and finish the job ?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not possible. Boot will not stretch

[@ahmadmohd1504]

@@hardlymovingpro I changed mine today by stretching in 2005 camry , but It took 15 minutes , next time shall be using a better tool to do the job fast .

[@nikovandh]

Hey. I'm in a pinch.. hoping maybe you have a solution. I just replaced the inner tie rod on my 2002 Sienna, however, I'm stuck at the spot where I have to dent in the new claw washer. I was only able to figure out a way to hammer 1 (of 4) side in. The opposing side of the one I dented in has no access for hammering a flatblade. I've tried to look up a myriad of different tools that might have the right 90 degree angle vise grip sorta thing. I'm thinking of going to Home Depot to buy and try a smaller pipe wrench and hammering on the handle to bend it towards me. Who knows if that will fit/work. That stupid wheel well hole access to the steering unit limits tool usage. I spent a good 2 hours today before work just failing lol. Have you dealt with this? Will I be safe with only 1 side dented in if the tie rod were to loosen up?

[@hardlymovingpro]

If working on the driver's side, get in your car and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. This will extend the steering rack's rod outward so you can bend the locking tab easier. Same logic for the right side.

[@nikovandh]

@@hardlymovingpro I'm on the passenger's side. I already did this to give myself maximum access 😟 so I guess there's no special methods/tools in this situation. Hopefully I'll figure it out

[@hardlymovingpro]

If you use thread lock and torque in down tight enough it won't loosen up

[@nikovandh]

@@hardlymovingpro I did not use thread lock, but I gave it a quick blast of the Earthquake XT impact. I checked with a torque wrench to see if it was at least at torque spec. It's probably way over lol.

[@hardlymovingpro]

@@nikovandh Don't think you have much to worry about if it's on good and tight. If it were to loosen up, you'd know it with the wheel toe being out of wack cause rapid tire wear and steering wheel pull.

[@SibRevs]

Would this part be 'rack and pinion bellow' as described by rockauto?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes ... that would be correct.

[@SibRevs]

Thanks

[@anthonypuariea8051]

I'm doing the same thing on my 2nd gen Avalon. I'm having difficulty with the inner boot clamp. Is there a way to remove it with hand tools and not damage the boot? OOrah! Happy Birthday Marines!

[@hardlymovingpro]

Jam a screw driver between the band clamp and the boot and pry or twist it off. Replace with a screw clamp or even a big zip tie. Semper Fi!

[@johnbaptist7476]

As always you are number 1 💖 🌾🙏👌👏✌👍✟✟✟

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thank you again

[@adrianb1655]

Should your new inner rod be moving that much? I thought if they have that much play, they are worn out.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Replace if the free play of the inner tie rod shaft can be pulled and push out and in from it's socket. Another test, with the wheel off the ground, is to grab the tire from the 3 and 9 o'clock position and wiggle left and right. If it moves, the inner tie rod is worn.

[@stackinchedda8538]

Is this the same job for 2001 Toyota avalon XL?

[@hardlymovingpro]

I'd say so.

[@nicholashurst2165]

What size hose clamp ?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Can't say.

[@iamher6422]

That darn boot took me over 2 hours to install. How did you install it so easily?! Fml

[@hardlymovingpro]

What were the problems?

[@iamher6422]

@@hardlymovingpro just wouldn’t go on! My hands were so greasy that I couldn’t even grip said boots. Finally, by the grace of God, I got them on. Man, it was sooo frustrating and infuriating. My apologies for the swear, I was livid 🤦🏽‍♀️🤣😂🤷🏽‍♀️

[@oakland510kid]

Name brand of axle grease?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not that important.

[@nikovandh]

Will a stainless steel zip tie work for where the larger inner clamp is? I don't have any hose clamps.

[@hardlymovingpro]

That'll work if you get it tight enough. You can also use plastic zip ties.

[@enlightnd0ne446]

Is that a universal boot or oem ?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Non oem replacement but designed for the rack.

[@RrRr-th1kf]

The original boot is original and the cheap boot is faster damage than genuine one

[@hardlymovingpro]

Perhaps.

[@RrRr-th1kf]

Hardly Moving Productions how we know and check of inner rod is damage ??? Because i check my camery 2005 and the out rod is damage and need to change because the steering is shaking when driving and i move the wheel by 🤚 hand and there is sound … but what about inner rod how can check it if its ok or not ?! Or change all the inner and outer rod to make sure and become good

[@mauricioh6716]

Blessings, John 3:16. Jesus loves you.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Amen!

[@scottlanier5133]

Why didn't you replace the inner tie rod? It wasn't completely shot but it's loose and should have been replaced

[@hardlymovingpro]

Not necessary if there's no free play within the ball and socket joint.

[@scottlanier5133]

@@hardlymovingpro I disagree. You were already there and it wasn't tight.

[@hardlymovingpro]

It's only tight when new. Loosens with use like ball joints.

[@2pacnasgame]

So why didn’t they fix it does not make sense you paid them then they break it you fix it and take it back to them

[@hardlymovingpro]

Paid who?