<E30> Tie rod questions

[Dog-n-Hog <woody@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hey folks,

I just replaced my tie rods, and I have a couple of questions you
might be able to help with.

1)  Is any lubrication/greasing required for the new tie rod end ball joints?
     Bentley (or anyone else I can tell) does not make mention of any.

2) The reason I ask about lubrication, is 'cause now I feel/hear clunking
     from the front end/steering.

     When I take hold of the tie rods, I can rotate them along their axis
     about +/- 3 degrees (the steering rack end also rotates it seems).

    I  can also grab the tie rod near the steering rack, and push forwards
     and backwards (in line with the car).   This results in a slight amount
     of lateral movement in the steering rack end end (where it seems to
     extend out the end seals of the rack).  This also seems to cause some
     clunking.

    Will lubrication of the ball joints before installing the dust boots allow
    them less friction, and less noise from less friction?

    Are the ends of  the steering rack that attach to the tie rods supposed
    to rotate or move that much?   Is my steering rack going south?

    The passenger side seems to be the worst.

The shocks, control arms, and bushings are new as well, and all their joints
are tight.

Vehicle's got 110,000 miles.

TIA,
Norm
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