Refurb center link?

[Daemione]

I've got a '79 280zx, and am in the process of redoing most of the steering system. It's the power recirculating ball version, so finding the idler arm, 4 tie rod ends, & 2 adjusting sleeves wasn't a problem - but sticker shock on the center link was a little rough . . . BDA has it listed for ~$275, and I haven't had any luck finding any other source.

 

So my question is, how reasonable is to to just refurbish the old one? The ball-joints on either end SEEM to be okay, but it's hard to tell without taking it all apart - it definitely needs new boots. Or does anyone know of a more affordable option than Black Dragon Automotive for a new one? A junkyard find is an option, obviously, but if mine is structurally sound I'd just as soon reuse it after a little tlc.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Daemione]

Any thoughts on this? I got all the other steering parts in I need, but still am not sure what I'm going to do about the center link.

[Daemione]

Replaced all my steering linkage today, and this is what I ended up doing.

 

Here's what the ball joint end of my center link looked like - the ball joint itself was in very good shape, but obviously the boot is toast.

 

Stopped by a few different parts stores (napa, autozone, etc.), and eventually found this at Advance Auto Parts:

 

The 9/16" size boot is just right to fit over the threaded part, and the base fits over to butt up against the remainder of the old boot with just a little stretch. So I picked up some 2-part epoxy to hold it in place:

 

Cleaned & degreased the center link, and cut off the old boot down to the base of the ball joint. Also used a metal rasp to roughen up the outside base edge a little:

 

Then packed grease around the joint & inside the new boot with grease as best as possible, avoiding the edge area where the epoxy will need to grab hold.

 

Then mixed up the epoxy & seated the boot down around the ball joint. Used a couple wrenches & the castle nut to hold it down in place while the epoxy set.

 

Anyway, I don't know how long it'll hold, but if it lasts me the winter I'll be happy. I'm unemployed right now, so after buying all the other tie rod ends, adjusting tubes, & idler arm, another $275 for the entire center link wasn't going to happen. $12 in supplies for this job. Maybe it'll last a long time, maybe not. :shrug:

Edited November 25, 2010 by Daemione