Rubber Steering Thingy Replacement

I noticed that the rubber thingy...sorry I don't know what it is called...on both sides of my steering arm...I think this is what it's called...are badly worn and torn.

Do I need to replace it?

If I do replace it, is there something better than stock that will last longer?

Thanks so much.

 

Is it the boot? The blow up view makes it kind of hard to see what's circled.

Off-topic, but that photo makes me want to get the Al sensor protector, I have the original steel ones from SDHQ and they're all rusted already. Hope that bolt would come out and not break (I already have 2 snapped bolts on my bumper, yay road salt).

 

It looks like the outer tie rod end.

 

Yes, it appears to be the outer tie rod.

Are they hard to replace?

 

That rubber boot on the tie rod end is not serviceable. You will need to replace the entire tie rod end assembly. There is no immediate concern or risk, but if/when dirt gets in through any tears, the joint will wear creating excess movement in the steering linkage. It should become noticeable long before it becomes dangerous. If the tie rod end is going to be replaced, you can do it now, or you can begin "watchful waiting"; i.e. if you're underneath occasionally for oil changes, give the tie rod end a tug to check for looseness in the joint. IMO, it will be years before any wear develops.

 

I agree with @JohnLakeman. It’s the outer tie rod ball joint. Don’t worry about it. These are rarely bad enough to cause an issue.

 

Thank you sooooo much.

This is exactly what I needed to know.

At this point I'm not noticing any symptoms.

I"ll just continue to watch it.

 

If it does become a problem, outers are easy to do yourself. Just plan on an alignment after.