I'm not sure if you mean the outer tie-rod or inner, but it sounds like you are referring to the inner. The gator on the rack end protects the inner tie rod end. If the joint is bad, generally with the right tool (don't know any part number, so can't help you there, sorry) you unscrew the old one and screw in a new one. The rack is easy to remove on our cars, so maybe it's easiest to remove it and get it in a vise to work on it. I imagine Lotus Elise Parts, eliseparts.com can help you with the right tool, and perhaps instructions.
__________________
Francis
2006 Chrome Orange Elise: Base, Hardtop, LSD/TC, FF Engine Damper, Arqray Twin Muffler, Nitron SAs with 425/650 springs, Katana Supercharger, Smaay's fuel rail, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, BWR 7/8" Front Bar
2000 Black Integra Type R: Konis, Neuspeed Race Springs, Mugen 26mm Rear Bar, 16x8 SSR Integrals
|