"leaking" Outer Tie-rod Ends

[gimlet42]

Need a little help with this one. I have an 08 SLT 4wd and both of my outer tie-rod ends are leaking. These are the ones with the zerks, and it looks like the grease is seaping out around the boot seal. Question is are they supposed to do this or did I blow the seal on the boots and need to replace them? There appears to still be grease in the joints but I didnt know if this will happen because of expansion or what. Thanks for the help.

[Bob D]

Welcome gimlet42

Have you recently greased the unit? If so, seepage is normal.

I am in the habit of wiping off residual grease after lubing with my finger (don't like those big blobs of grease, potentially dropping off in driveway.

Boot seals can typically "balloon" after greasing, subsequently allowing some leakage.

If you get under there and grease it, you should be able to determine if seal is shot.

[gimlet42]

Thanks Bob, appreciate the help! I was worried that I may have put too much grease in, it only seeped out in one small spot so I am asuming the seals are still good. Thanks again

 

Gimlet42

Welcome gimlet42

Have you recently greased the unit? If so, seepage is normal.

I am in the habit of wiping off residual grease after lubing with my finger (don't like those big blobs of grease, potentially dropping off in driveway.

Boot seals can typically "balloon" after greasing, subsequently allowing some leakage.

If you get under there and grease it, you should be able to determine if seal is shot.

[Bob D]

...it only seeped out in one small spot so I am asuming the seals are still good.

You're fine. Better too much grease than too little.

Tip: Do jack up front end (wheels just off the ground) before you grease.

[Zembonez]

As long as the boots are intact, you should be fine. They were just overfilled a bit. Wipe off the excess and be happy!