So i was changing my lower ball joints, and i busted my right outer tie-rod boot. Should i just order a set of tie-rods from sewell lexus (lexus-parts.com) or i should just buy a right one from autozone? keep in mind that the sewell lexus parts are all oem, while places like autozone have a 3rd party manufacturer.

 

its' a no brainer. The price difference is so little that it shouldn't even be questioned.

 

oh hi GSteg, nice to see you again . I guess I will be changing the tie-rods too (turns out that they're in pretty bad condition). Also, how do you tighten the steering rack? it's time for my loose steering to come to an end.

so yeah, despite the guide on DIY lower ball joint, i went out and rented a fork tie-rod separator (after the guy convinced me that it will work), but it poked my tie-rod boot clean, and couldn't even fit itself in the boot! Under frustration, i went to autozone and asked for the pulling kind, and nevertheless, the boots came off, and i did the whole swap within 15 mins on the left side.

Cliff notes:
When there's a guide, follow exactly what it says; do not make any substitution unless you know what you are doing.

 

You'll need to get the steering rack bushing kit from sewel lexus. It should run around $40 shipped or so. use coupon code CL911M during checkout.

It's an easy install. If you can do the balljoint, then you'll have no problem doing this. There is a DIY thread floating somewhere in this forum.

 

can not go wrong with steering rack bushing