bohrhe

2008 Acura TL Base at 100k miles, had it for the last 6 years and 50k miles. Just noticed both tie-rod end ball joints had some grease leaked out of the bottom of the boots. Conducted the wiggling test at 3 and 9 o'clock on either front tire when it's jacked up and it felt normal. Pulling and shaking on the rods by hands didn't produce any noise or movement. No clicking or any other noise when driving and turning. Everything feels fine except leaking grease.

Is the leaking "normal" and of no major concern? Or are the tie-rod ends on their way out?
If I need to fix them now, should I just clean the old grease out, repack fresh grease, and install new boots? Or just replace both tie-rod ends.



Right tie-rod end

Right tie-rod end

WDPanda

Boot probably deteriorated and is releasing the packed grease. It's not toast right away, it'll take some time for corrosion to work its way in. The best way to tell is to give the joint a shake. You would notice some vibrations on the highway as well.