ball joint boot question

david c. · 05-06-2002, 07:55 AM

Does anyone know of a way to repair torn boots on otherwise intact ball joints? I've heard that there may be some kind of a flexible polyurethane boot?

Thanks!

David

rickeolis · 05-06-2002, 08:24 AM

Dave, don't mess around with a cheap temp fix on a CV joint. You'll pay for it in the end anyway. There are a couple of snap together style replacements, but I have seen them and they simply will not do. They are not airtight and will let dirt in which will destroy the joint quickly. Just remove the joint and install a new boot, it's the only way to go, and it's not as bad as you might think. There are shops (axle shops, etc.) that can do it for you cheap, but cheaper if you bring in the axle to them. Then you'll feel secure in the knowledge that you won't need to worry anymore about it also!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I personally witnessed this job being done on an '85 Carrera last weekend by a professional wrench. Actually, his very young asst. did it. He had it done in 45 min. from start to finish. Of course, he had a lift, compressed air, blah, blah. One tool he had, which has to be cheap and made the job go so fast, was what looked like an ice pick with a curl at the end of it, almost like a one turn of a corkscrew. He used it to get underneath the boot, where it got tight on the shaft. It was bare metal, but with a gentle hand looked doable without ripping anything. That's also a great opportunity to repack the boot full of fresh grease. I actually look forward to tackling this one myself someday. If you do it yourself, you'll need a good vise, lots of newspaper and paper towels, some CV lube, a jack and stands, and the handtools.

Jim Sims · 05-06-2002, 09:07 AM

Are we discussing front suspension ball joints or back axle half-shaft CV joints? If it's ball joints with intergral boots it's proabably not feasible or worth the trouble; just replace the joint. If CV joints, then the grease is likely compromised with dirt and the units should be disassembled, cleaned , repacked with grease and installed with new boots. This is a good DIY job, messy but a DIY job. Jim

david c. · 05-06-2002, 10:17 AM

Guys,

I am referring to the front ball joints. I tore the boots on mine when doing my front suspension work.

I am not being cheap here, I just don't fancy the idea of paying for two ball joints that don't have anything wrong with them aside from torn boots. Isn't there a way to replace the boots?

What does a small rubber boot cost, $3? Why replace both ball joints unless the joints themselves have deteriorated and actually need replaced? I can't see it.

I'm going to take one of them to the local hardware store (you know, the privately owned one, not Sears Hardware, which has ingenous and creative employees). Maybe they can think of a fix. I'll keep you posted.

Later,

David

Rot 911 · 05-06-2002, 11:03 AM

Those boots don't take a lot of abuse, so here are two ideas I think might work: liquid electric tape. This is a vinyl base liquid so not sure if it will adhere. The other would be rubber roof sealer. That stuff will stick to anything and stays flexible.

rickeolis · 05-06-2002, 02:57 PM

After reading Jim's post, I realized what I had done, this may lead you to what you are really wanting-

http://www.energysuspension.com/prod3.html

Jim Sims · 05-06-2002, 03:35 PM

Those look like they'll do the trick, if they're available in the correct size and style - the VW listing makes this seem possible. It appears one still has to separate the ball joint to install. If the joint has much mileage on it I'd just replace it after the effort of separating the joint. Cheers, Jim

Doug E · 05-06-2002, 05:23 PM

Ummm, anybody try those Energysuspension parts?

I'd be interested to know if this product works. I have a very tiny slit in my left front ball joint cover (not sure how it started) and am looking at a replacement myself.

david c. · 05-07-2002, 06:56 AM

I emailed them. I'll keep you all posted on any developments and prices/availability. Thanks very much for the tips!

David

Porsche_monkey · 07-30-2007, 03:00 PM

So five years later, has anyone tried the energysuspension ball joint covers?

Mine are both torn, but the ball joints are fine....

Won · 12-17-2007, 11:19 PM

I've managed to tear the ball joint boots while trying to separate the A-arms from struts.

I measured ~15.5mm and ~37mm for the openings plus the height of ~23mm for our ball joint boots. This site lists the dimensions of Energy Suspension's ball joint boots, and part #13005 with dimensions of 14mm x 36.5mm x 23.32mm seems very close to our application. I'm going to order a couple of those and maybe one larger size and see how they fit.

Also, places like here and here have replacement boots for Audi and Jaguar cars. I'll see if I can find any more information on those parts.

KFC911 · 12-17-2007, 11:41 PM

IMO, if the ball joints have significant mileage on them, go ahead and replace them (while you're there), otherwise, what do you have to lose with a repair attempt? That being said, I replaced one (fairly new), when I punctured the boot...just peace of mind, and I didn't want to go back in for that.

Won · 12-18-2007, 01:54 AM

Simple replacement seems to be the consensus, but if the ball joints are anything like pretty much every other component I've taken off the car, they should be in fairly good condition. I wasn't able to detect any problem using some self-test methods posted before either.

Porsche_monkey · 12-18-2007, 04:20 AM

I was able to glue up the tear on mine with silicone.

Won · 01-15-2008, 04:25 PM

Good news (pending road test): Found replacement boot for A-arm ball joint!

strofka · strofka's Garage

I bought URO ball joints which said they were made in Germany. I installed them 2 years ago and already the boots are cracked open. The joints seem to be fine and I didn't feel like spending $150.00 on new Lemforders right now so I found the link to Suspension Restoration Parts Co. - Polyurethane ball joint boots and tie-rod boots. called them up and ordered 2 new boots: $10.00 with shipping.