| I actually don't think either the quantity or type of grease is that important though I don't have much experience to base that on. Here's what I did... today. I cleaned off as much brown grease as I could with a paper towel and replaced it with Mobil 1 synthetic grease -- it's pink. Why Mobil 1? Only because SZ had recommended it in place of the FSM's recommended lithium grease (with molydenum disulfate) for the clutch work I've been doing. When you go to for example Advanced Auto generic lithium grease in a tube sits right next to Mobil 1. My interpretation is that the $8 Mobil 1 synthetic is one step up in the grease quality. I don't think you need very much because the grease doesn't have any place to go -- it's not a rotating part. Something I realized while putting the new boot on: you cannot get the boot on/off without taking off the outer tie rod ball joint because the small hole of the the boot must go on the outside. If you haven't started this work yet look carefully at some pictures and I'll think you'll understand where I'm coming from. The problem remains how to get the outside tie rod off with the minimum amount of damage. This is a real challenge. Alternatively you could simply replace it and call it the cost of doing business with a Z. The instructions in the FSM regarding how to put on the boot's clamping wire are very complicated and I'm not sure why. I think this section is overkill. Simply twist while pulling with the necessary force 4 to 4.5 turns and bend the result to the rear of the car. I actually think maybe a zip tie is a better option but decided to use the OEM clamping wire after all. The rubber o-ring on the outside simply supplies constant clamping force but where the outside of the boot lies on the shaft isn't that important afterall the FSM says to put a little grease there too which would allow the boot to "float" on the outside regardless of where you set the steering. If this is somewhat confusing just print it out and re-read it when you get to the point of putting the boot back on and things will make sense right away. What's important is that you allocate enough time for the job to get creative in getting the outside tie rod end off without much damage and/or replace it if things don't go your way.
OverZealous (CT)
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