Hello. I'm having a front end problem that's been getting worse. I think I've isolated it to the tie rods.

The car will clunk over small bumps and shake at above 40mph to around 70mph. The tires have been balanced several times and my mechanic assures me they are "spot on".

I got under the car with the front in the air, and asked my girl to shake the steering wheel back and forth vigorously. She could replicate the clunk, which sounds like it's coming from the center of the steering rack. I did also notice a very small amount of play at the outer tie rod joints.

I replaced the lower ball joints 15,000 miles ago trying to isolate the clunk. The upper ball joints look fine with no noticable play. I think I am in need of both inner and outer tie rod ends.

I did not look at the inner tie rods, because there is a dust boot over them from the steering rack, which has a factory clap on it. How do I replace that clamp?? Just use a regular hose clamp?

Any advise is appreicated.. thank you.