grease boots on steering linkage

[PeterbiltChrome]

on a ten year old truck, I guess its normal for some things to wear out over time.... i noticed most of my steering linkage grease boots may have popped and i can only put in a shot or two of grease before the old oozes out the bottom of the boots. I don't think i've put too much in, but it was a used truck and don't know what kinda service shops or previous owners blew 'em out. there isn't any squeaks or play in the linkage because i grease at every oil change so i haven't encountered any problems in the 2 and a half years i've had it like this.

 

If they are supposed to be totally sealed, where does the old grease go? It probably breaks down to let more it but how long before they usually need replacement? I'm approaching 98k by the way.

[az'03Silverado]

As long as you keep them well-lubed, which it sounds like you do, it shouldn't give you any problems for quite a while. The rubber boots are there to keep water and dirt out of the joints which can happen if they are torn or separated. Many of the rubber boots, though are integral parts of the joint itself so they tie rod end, idler arm or pitman arm would have to be replaced. I've noticed on mine that when I grease each joint the boot will swell slightly. I guess the grease just works its way into the joint or breaks down like you said. I've noticed in some areas it will work its way out in kind of a liquid form. As far as replacing the joints, though, it can be expensive unless you do it yourself so as long as they're well-lubed and clean they shouldn't give any problems for quite some time. I had a '98 S-10 with 90,000 miles on it and the tie-rod ends wore out before the boots did so it sound like they may have been over-filled at some point by the previous owner.

[Elwood 2000]

Don't know about your question, but that is one SWEET Pete!!

 

Used to drive myself for a short while and I do like a Peterbuilt. The one in your signature is very nice!

[PeterbiltChrome]

thanks for the help az~

 

and that's one of many Panelite show trucks: 2001 Peterbilt 379 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway... eye candy color of course~

 

I'll reduce the size of the pic sometime and put my pickup next to it whenever i use up the camera... i feel guilty showing off someone else's truck, because I'm more proud of my own even though the pete is sweet!