Torn ball joint boot

[rlee6]

The rubber boot of a ball joint is damaged. It is on the front axle and doesn't seem to be too difficult to replace (part may be expensive). If I scrape out the dirt and seal up the area with silicone glue (Permaflex), will I be able to get more hours from it?

 

[mrutkaus]

worked for me, i used automotive "goop" instead of silicone, it seems to grip better. once i put the stuff on i wrapped the joint horizontally with duct tape tight and left it for a couple of days then took the tape off. let it set nice.

mike

 

[Soundguy]

Don't be cheap. Pop the joint apart and get a new boot. i've seent he rubber parts on the shelf at napa.. cheap insurance..

Soundguy

 

[rlee6]

I wish I had taken a picture of the ball joint. It has a flat top, just like a typical sealed unit. But it also has a grease nipple on the side. My neighbor, who is my coach on almost everything (tractor, plowing, culvert driveway, etc), says it is a sealed joint and I can leave it as is. Does it make sense to anyone?

Soundguy,
I didn't know the rubber boot was a replaceable item. I thought the whole control arm had to be replaced. That's why I wanted to get as much life from it before replacing it. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Soundguy]

Well.. if must come apart to be attached right? How similar to a tie rod end is it?

If it has a grease fitting.. that tells me it is not a 'never needs service' part..

Doest it have a urethane donut around it?

Soundguy

 

[rlee6]

I've seen rubber boots held by steel bands. On this one I didn't see a band or anything that appears to be removable. I will take a closer look at the boot. In the meantime I will visit a NAPA store for boot and filter cross reference. Thanks.

PS: I don't know what you mean be a urethane doughnut. I didn't notice anything that fits "urethane doughnut" on the ball joint. I will inspect carefully next time.

 

[5030]

Chris:

Last time I had a urethane donut, it was a Crispy Kreme. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

What exactly is a urethane donut? I don't have a clue unless you mean the spacer washer.