CheeseHelmet
Member
I'm planning on doing some work in the next couple months on the steering bits of my P5. I'd like to change my wheel bearings, control arms, and tie-rod ends. I'm curious if our inner tie-rod ends are prone to failure and if it's worth the trouble of learning how to change them (the overview of the procedure in the service manual seems quite complex).
I ask because I'm a little worried about a clunking sound I hear when the car is stationary and I turn the wheel back and forth pretty fast (45 degrees off-center in both directions). I don't ever hear that sound while driving which leads me to believe that it's not too serious (or perhaps it's even a normal sound). I'm hoping it's an outer tie-rod end since mine look pretty s***, I think the driver-side one is even leaking grease.
Finally, is it worth changing my axles and/or joint-shaft while I have the hubs off? Mine are rusty but the dust boots look surprisingly good. I don't know if this is anything to worry about, but last time I was looking at them I noticed that the rubber bit in the middle of the axle was starting to disintegrate. I have no idea what that rubber is for, anyone care to enlighten me?
I ask because I'm a little worried about a clunking sound I hear when the car is stationary and I turn the wheel back and forth pretty fast (45 degrees off-center in both directions). I don't ever hear that sound while driving which leads me to believe that it's not too serious (or perhaps it's even a normal sound). I'm hoping it's an outer tie-rod end since mine look pretty s***, I think the driver-side one is even leaking grease.
Finally, is it worth changing my axles and/or joint-shaft while I have the hubs off? Mine are rusty but the dust boots look surprisingly good. I don't know if this is anything to worry about, but last time I was looking at them I noticed that the rubber bit in the middle of the axle was starting to disintegrate. I have no idea what that rubber is for, anyone care to enlighten me?