Ball Joint Boot Install Issues

[OK-944]

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to install my rebuilt ball joint boots with the lower circlip. They slip right on without the circlips, and look correct...but I'm worried about grit infiltration. I cannot get the lower circlip on without having the boot pop back off of the ball joint pin.

The Rennbay video makes ball joint boot installation look easy - but nothing is noted about the circlips, not in the instructions, nor can I see them in the video.

I realize that the boot goes on inside out - and that the circlips are not visible after the install (is this correct?). So I assume that the boots, supplied with the circlips in place, should slip on upside down over the pin, then "pop" into place with the circlips in place. But the lower circlip will not budge over its flange if I try this - goes on easy without the lower circlip, but then I cannot get the lower clip on at all without the whole thing coming off.

My assumption is that the upper and lower ball joint boot circlips are essential. Is this correct? Any hints on installation? Thanks!

[Stephen03]

I don't think I tried putting the clip on, the boot gets compressed a lot when installed. The rebuild kit didn't come with the clips did it?

[jeffrsmith]

When I ordered my kit it came with OEM style boots like advertised at the below link

http://www.rennbay.com/ball-joint-boot-oem-clips-p-180.html

I don't remember where I bought my kit, but the original boots go on without an issue.

[mikepellegrini]

The last time my son and I did it, I think we put the boots on, then he opened the cirlclip with a pair of needle nosed pliers then slipped it over the boot. Worked great.