When I replaced my sway bar bolt/bushings, I noticed that the ball end of the tie rod (to steering rack) has a small amount of play to it - Does this mean I need to replace the entire steering rack, or can I get just the tie rod w/ball? When I tug on the tie rod, the ball has about 1/8 of an inch play, and tends to rattle on uneven pavement

 

That tie rod end should unscrew once you disconnect it. Just go get another one for around 15$ at any auto parts store. Always do both sides, they go out in pairs. While youre in there inspect your upper and lower ball joints as well, all of these things usually go bad around the same time and it would be good to do it all in one day instead of coming back to this problem later. Dont forget to get an alignment after.

 

But that doesn't fix the problem with the ball being lose in the steering rack, will it?

 

Well there should only be one tie rod end on either side of the "steering rack." The tie rod end and ball joint are one unit, you dont replace just the ball joint you replace the entire assembly. Simply get a pickle fork, pry it out by tapping it with a hammer under the rubber and then unscrew the entire tie rod end counter clockwise and get another tie rod end. Should be about 15$ each side.

 

The part inside the boot can be replaced??? I was told by a mechanic that I needed a whole new steering rack, because the inner tie rod ball and rack are one piece, and he would charge $475 parts/labor to do it - Damned mechanics o.O

 

Civic EG :: View topic - DIY: How to replace Inner & Outer Tie Rod

https://www.hondacivicforum.com/foru...od-ends-60825/

 

After you take the boot off, make sure the rack is OK (the rack bar doesn't wobble in it, the bar moves immediately with the slightest turn of the wheel, and if power steering, no fluid is leaking out of the seal). It can make sense to replace the whole rack since it comes with two ends and new boots etc. already attached.

 

Well i gave youu a bunch of obvious and useless information. Sorry. I thought you wre talking about the outer tie rod ends. Never changed the inner part. Judging from the link IP provided it will still be a very simple fix