I'm just wrapping up a rebuild of the front end on my '03 Vibe Base FWD model with the 1.8L and automatic transmission. It all started with dropping the catalytic converter exhaust pipe to replace the leaking donut gaskets on either end. This led to my deciding to finally tackle the replacement of my leaking power steering rack that I've been putting off for years, since the cat-back pipe has to be dropped to do so.
Our Vibe has 178K miles on it currently, of which we have put on 87K with no steering/suspension items replaced. This, combined with the overlap in labor involved to drop the sub-frame and power steering rack, low replacement part costs from Rock Auto, and the fact that I'll need an alignment after replacing the rack as it is, convinced me to take the opportunity to replace the sway bar bushings, end links, outer tie rod ends, ball joints, and struts while I was there.
My problem is that my replacement outer tie rod ends from Rock Auto (SKP SES3306) arrived with the dust boots loose on the tie rod end shaft, without any circlips / boot retainer springs on the upper and lower ends to hold it in position. This is the first such outer tie rod end I've ever seen without them, and I can't imagine the boot will remain seated or seal out debris without them.
Both the Rock Auto and SKP product catalog listings and product images appear to illustrate that the tie rods come with boot retaining springs:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... &jsn=11238
https://skywardautomotive.com/product-catalog/
I contacted Rock Auto and asked them to clarify if I received two incomplete tie rod ends or if all SKP SES3306 tie rod ends ship this way, and they were unable to confirm/deny. They did ship me a replacement set, which unfortunately arrived in the same condition as the first.
This vehicle is my family's daily driver, and my wife is antsy to have it back up and running. The circlips on my original tie rod ends are extremely rusted and will likely break if I attempt to remove and reuse them. I can't seem to source aftermarket / one-size-fits-all circlips or boot retainer springs anywhere online. Is anyone aware of where I can obtain them?