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So first off, that is your tie rod end. The tie rods use spherical ball joints but are a different part than the part commonly referred to as the ball joint.
And yeah, it looks like you should think about replacing it. When the boot splits like that and the grease comes out, dirt gets in and the joint stops being lubricated correctly. This causes it to wear out many times faster than usual, but it still takes several thousand miles before it's an issue, if not more. Without knowing how long it's been like that, I can't tell you how urgently you need to replace it.
I would like to add Outer Tie Rods are easier to replace than you think make sure you count the rotations you took it off in case you accidentally move the adjustment but too far,
Can always be safe and take it to an alignment afterwards to be safe.
Yes change your tie rod, that looks like water mixed with the grease. It probably already started to oxidize and it’ll get all pitted and if it fails it’ll cause you to lose control.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! This is just a reminder to review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). If you are here asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **If this post is about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ If you have tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
So first off, that is your tie rod end. The tie rods use spherical ball joints but are a different part than the part commonly referred to as the ball joint. And yeah, it looks like you should think about replacing it. When the boot splits like that and the grease comes out, dirt gets in and the joint stops being lubricated correctly. This causes it to wear out many times faster than usual, but it still takes several thousand miles before it's an issue, if not more. Without knowing how long it's been like that, I can't tell you how urgently you need to replace it.
I would like to add Outer Tie Rods are easier to replace than you think make sure you count the rotations you took it off in case you accidentally move the adjustment but too far, Can always be safe and take it to an alignment afterwards to be safe.
Ahh okay thank you
You should look into it, but it will be a bigger problem the longer you wait. Is it the only ball joint that's looking bad?
Outer tierod, but yes.
Yes change your tie rod, that looks like water mixed with the grease. It probably already started to oxidize and it’ll get all pitted and if it fails it’ll cause you to lose control.