My inner tie rod dust boot on driver's side is blown out. How do I replace it, and source boot only?? Advance Auto Parts sells the boot only when replacing the tie rod, as part of a kit. Thanks, Rooster2

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrtQwjjLQFA

Edited October 31, 20178 yr by 1 Lucky Texan

Weird - i've definitely bought tie rod boots from them before and nearly positive i've bought beck arnley tie rod boots.  But they seem to have drifted into the abyss?

 

Get one from Subaru part number:  31232GA082

 

They're all over ebay, amazon, online subaru parts or get them locally - they cover like 1980's to 2004 or something so reasonable chance of them having them locally. 

They go from a frustrating 36 attempt debacle to easy 1 attempt repairs if you grab a pair of pliers and do this: 

 

1. pull the bottom lip of the tie rod boot over the steering rack so just the bottom is seated in the groove properly. 

2. while holding that tightly so it doesn't pull off - rotate the boot 180 degrees so the part you just pulled over the bottom is now on the top. 

3. while keeping your hand on that top part so it doesn't pull off - pull the lower lip up and over the steering rack with pliers. 

Thanks guys for all the info.............I appreciate it.

Thanks guys for all the info.............I appreciate it.

go ahead and toss up what you end up getting/find since this looks like a recent change you stumbled into, as i'm positive i've got Beck Arnley boots multiple times, i probably even have some in my garage still. i'd be interested to see what you get, i guess i'll just end up with Subaru when the time comes.

Edited October 31, 20178 yr by idosubaru

The OEM boots from Subaru are the best and they aren't that expensive. 

Weird - i've definitely bought tie rod boots from them before and nearly positive i've bought beck arnley tie rod boots.  But they seem to have drifted into the abyss?

 

Get one from Subaru part number:  31232GA082

 

They're all over ebay, amazon, online subaru parts or get them locally - they cover like 1980's to 2004 or something so reasonable chance of them having them locally. 

I went to the Subie dealer and presented the above part number, which the parts counter guy did not recognize. He said he needed the VIN number, and came up with # 5426, when I called back with the VIN. He quoted me $54.XX plus tax for a boot only, or maybe it came as part of a tie rod kit, he didn't say, and I did not ask. That cost seems high, so I declined.

 

Seems like parts sources where I have checked, what to sell the tie rod and boot as a kit, I just need the boot only. Guess, I will look around some more.

search tie rod dust boot on amazon

 

I THOUGHT I saw some for about $9 but.....?

someone posted this one worked on their 2002 Forester; https://www.amazon.com/45535-22080-Rubber-Shield-1990-2000-Lexus/dp/B00K85CM94/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1509568117&sr=8-16&keywords=tie+rod+dust+boot

 

 

I saw this there; https://www.amazon.com/45535-22080-Rubber-Shield-1990-2000-Lexus/dp/B00K85CM94/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1509568117&sr=8-16&keywords=tie+rod+dust+boot

 

try using the above supplied partnumber at ebay, amazon, web search/shopping and see what comes up ?

I just looked ,Rock auto has them.

Thanks guys, I put in an order to Rock Auto. They have exactly what I want.

I shouldn't have posted part number as i think they've had about 1393 revisions, i think outback boots are the same as my 1989 XT6.

 

$54 doesn't make sense.

 

Subaru OEM is only $24 with free shipping here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SUBARU-OEM-2004-Outback-Tie-Rod-Boot-34137AE020/162578737328?fits=Make%3ASubaru%7CModel%3AOutback&epid=1811289123&hash=item25da72a8b0:g:JcMAAOSwFbJZ4b5S&vxp=mtr

Edited November 2, 20178 yr by idosubaru

I shouldn't have posted part number as i think they've had about 1393 revisions, i think outback boots are the same as my 1989 XT6.

 

$54 doesn't make sense.

 

Subaru OEM is only $24 with free shipping here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SUBARU-OEM-2004-Outback-Tie-Rod-Boot-34137AE020/162578737328?fits=Make%3ASubaru%7CModel%3AOutback&epid=1811289123&hash=item25da72a8b0:g:JcMAAOSwFbJZ4b5S&vxp=mtr

 

 

Heuberger is on ebay - good to know!

Heuberger is on ebay - good to know!

 

You like to order from them? I never have it's just the lowest priced one i saw. 

I've ordered from Heuberger's e-bay several times recently and gotten very fast shipping of OE parts at a very good price.    Subaru parts direct at ebay is another good one.

maybe I'm wrong but I thought they were the largest volume soob dealer in the US?

 

(I have not ordered from them, but other on-line and ebay dealers have been fine - it would be disappointing though for some DIYers if the wrong part arrived, it's why I sometimes suggest folks try to get a local dealer to match on-line prices.  Easier to go just drive back over and exchange a part. A dust boot may not be time sensitive or easily confused with an incorrect partnumber so, probably be OK)

thanks, just curious. i often order Subaru stuff locally so i don't do a ton of online OEM stuff. 

I shouldn't have posted part number as i think they've had about 1393 revisions, i think outback boots are the same as my 1989 XT6.

 

$54 doesn't make sense.

 

Subaru OEM is only $24 with free shipping here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SUBARU-OEM-2004-Outback-Tie-Rod-Boot-34137AE020/162578737328?fits=Make%3ASubaru%7CModel%3AOutback&epid=1811289123&hash=item25da72a8b0:g:JcMAAOSwFbJZ4b5S&vxp=mtr

The $54 quote for tie rod boot, must have been for an entire kit of tie rod, boot, and hardware to secure the boot. I told the parts counter guy that I wanted a boot only, and my understanding is that the part has been the same on Subarus throughout the 90's into the early 2000 models. No, he insisted that he needed the car vin number, saying there were several boots during that time period. This counter guy came across as dumb, lazy, and really didn't care if he served my needs or not. I walked out of the dealership thinking the guy is just a real richard cranium. Such is life!

Was going to ask but I checked - Rock Auto does have Beck arnley boots $14.23

 

It was worth a shot trying the dealer, maybe he’s not the normal guy. Dealer I go to is sharp and goes out of their way, for me anyway. But They’ve had guys at the counter fill in fairly often who knows why - sickness, busy shop, running errands, unloading trucks, I’m sure they’re busy. Maybe you just got someone shifted around like that.

Edited November 2, 20178 yr by idosubaru

Was going to ask but I checked - Rock Auto does have Beck arnley boots $14.23

 

It was worth a shot trying the dealer, maybe he’s not the normal guy. Dealer I go to is sharp and goes out of their way, for me anyway. But They’ve had guys at the counter fill in fairly often who knows why - sickness, busy shop, running errands, unloading trucks, I’m sure they’re busy. Maybe you just got someone shifted around like that.

The Rock Auto Beck Amsley boots priced at $14.23 is what I ordered. Actually ordered two each at that price, thinking the boot on the other side may be shot as well, but had not looked to see if it was broken or not. Cost $30 to ship, a pretty good deal over all.

I replace them without removing any bolts or nuts, except you have to remove the lock nut to get the boot over the tie rod.. I avoid removing the outer tie rod due to sometimes being difficult to remove, may only be helpful in the rust belt

 

1. Jack up vehicle

2. Loosen lock nut

3. Turn inner tie rod and it’ll come out while pushing the outer tie rod and tire “away” as you turn it.

 

Mark parts locations relative to each other and count number of turns or measure to try and retain alignment.

 

Theoretically turning that inner tie rod might move grease around but I doubt it matters.

 

“$30 to ship” or “$30 shipped”?

Subaru Parts does list the 31232GA082 pn from 85-2003.  Retail price is $32.30

 

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_1998_Legacy-Outback-Touring-Wagon-25L-AT-4WD/BOOT-STEERING-GEAR-BOX/49240303/31232GA082.html

 

There is also a Clip, Boot (31260GA580) on the large end ($1.24) and a Hose Clamp 092316502 on the smaller end ($1.50) but you should be able to reuse the existing ones.

Edited November 3, 20178 yr by Mike104

Subaru Parts does list the 31232GA082 pn from 85-2003.  Retail price is $32.30

 

https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_1998_Legacy-Outback-Touring-Wagon-25L-AT-4WD/BOOT-STEERING-GEAR-BOX/49240303/31232GA082.html

 

There is also a Clip, Boot (31260GA580) on the large end ($1.24) and a Hose Clamp 092316502 on the smaller end ($1.50) but you should be able to reuse the existing ones.

Thanks.......................Rooster2