Tie rod lubrication

[Peter Solarik]

Hi Everyone:
Hope that you had a nice Easter hollidays.
I have a question for our advisors:
I changed the tie rod (right side) on my Century 2000 about 1.000 km ago. The car has only 53.000 km on odometer. The new (aftermarket) tie rod (NAPA Chassis) has as you know a lubrication nipple. The original one on the left side (driver side) is still OK.
I was thinking that maybe I can prolong the life of the one on the driver side (original factory equipment) if I drill a hole into it, cut the appropriate size of thread into it and screw on a lubricating nibble. The only thing I am concerned about is that I may damage the inside ball with the drill bit. Any input on this? Is it an adviceable solution to premature demise of tie rod ?
Thanks!

[tman]

Tie rods don't really go bad too often. I'd just lubricate whatever you've get there with a witting for lubrication.

[Peter Solarik]

Originally Posted by tman2093

Tie rods don't really go bad too often. I'd just lubricate whatever you've get there with a witting for lubrication.

Thank you for your advice. I do not quite understand the last sentence (see above) You wrote. Does it mean that I should just spray it with lubricant? Would that be sufficient to penetrate to the ball thru the rubber protector?
Thanks again
Peter

[tman]

I'm a dork. I really ought to spell check my posts before I make them. For that, I apologize!

What i meant to say was:

I'd just lubricate whatever you've got there with a fitting for lubrication.

By that I mean there should be some lubrication nipples to put grease inside the steering system. I'd just lubricate those and not worry about adding and fittings.

[kink]

On joints without a fitting, my brother uses a syringe loaded with grease. Pokes it through the rubber and pumps the grease in that way. Obviously the smaller the better. It has worked for him.

[daviddhaene]

Originally Posted by kink

On joints without a fitting, my brother uses a syringe loaded with grease. Pokes it through the rubber and pumps the grease in that way. Obviously the smaller the better. It has worked for him.

That's good advice! I've never heard that before.

Thank you!