any mechanics in the house, got a ? for ya

[nauc]

i have a 99 Accord and this rubber boot thing on the front passenger side is cracked opened. is it something i need to fix asap or do i have some time. also, do you know about how much it will cost to get it fixed?

thanks

pic...

[chuchnit]

That is a tie-rod end and yes you need to change it asap if it's busted. Sometimes it just takes a simple dust boot change. Usually the actual tie-rod end is bad. If it actually breaks free while driving what will happen is the wheel that it's attached to will shoot straight out to almost a 90 degree angle of the direction of the car. Cost depends on where you live, and how honest your mechanic is. It not a labor intensive job to fix but you will want an alignment when it is changed.

[little_scrapper]

That looks like it is a grease boot for containing the lube you inject when you lube the chassy zirks. You are NOT in immediate fire/explosion danger hehe unless its cracked because you tierod is coming apart (then you will die) but like almost any car deal, fix it asap. Small issues left unchecked can turn into more expensive issues later. No clue how much $$$ to fix.

[Dualist]

Part normally about £15 if you can get aftermarket (tie-rod not boot rubber) and then £30 for wheel alinement, any tire shop should be able to do that work in less than an hour.

[Caparroz]

Like chuchnit said, fix it asap. If it's only that it'll be a cheap fix including alignment.

[b1lk1]

No alignment would be required if only the boot is changed. THat is a very simple fix.

[[XC] Lead Head]

The boot is almost never changed. Once it is cracked, dust and dirt is allowed to get and being wearing the joint. Its cheap enough to replace the whole joint, so you might as well do it.

[slaveondope]

grease it and go

[sjohnson]

I had a tie rod end break at 60 mph, left front wheel. While it was a hairy ride coming to a stop (the car was ALL over the road and toward the end did a 360), I did NOT die I was very luck that the following cars were quite a way behind me and it was a divided four lane highway, though.

You should have it replaced soon, it's cheap to have done. Toe-in, at least, needs to be set once the new part is installed. Also, if one side is bad, there's a good chance the other is getting ready to do the same. Have the other side checked, at the least, and replace it if the mechanic recommends.