240sx inner tie rod end, installation problem

[twodecades]

After lots of searching/studying online, I thought I had enough information to replace a worn out inner tie rod end on my s13 240sx.

But now I have a problem.

The FSM says I cannot reuse the "lock plate". This makes sense considering I had to bend it pretty badly to remove it.

Question #1: What is this funny looking flat washer that came with the new tie rod end I bought from NAPA? (I bought their higher-priced option, btw.) It doesn't look like the Nissan lockplate, and I don't know what it is, or what to do with it. Any ideas? Here's the link (top is what I bought, bottom is the genuine Nissan lock plate): http://imgur.com/a/wa3S3

Question #2: Even if I get a new lock plate from the Nissan dealer, I don't know how to install it, since by definition, it is locked in place?

Question #3: The new part came with some gold colored grease in a packet. People online have said they greased the ball joint. However, the ball joint looks pre-greased, and factory service manual says to put grease on the small end of the dust boot, where it wraps around the thin rod. So, WHERE should I put this gold grease that came in the packet?

Any help is much appreciated.

[sx moneypit]

The washer is your new lock plate.Put it on you tie rod end,thread the rod into the rack and bend one side over the rack side and the other over the tie rod end.The grease goes on the boot where it slides over the tie rod to help seal moisture out and allow you to adjust the tie rod without twisting the boot.

Welcome to NICO!



-Ben

[rioredstang]

I believe the gold colored grease is anti-sieze compound. This goes on the threads on the outer end of the tie rod.