Ball Joint Boot

B

bowez

Registered User
The cover on my lower ball joint is shot and wondering if is acceptable to just replace the boot or it time to get a whole new ball joint?
 
If you could find a proper boot, that would be all right. But that is assuming that only the boot is messed up. But I would suggest that you just get a new ball joint, or entire control arm. I mean, you will have to remove the ball joint stud from the knuckle to replace the boot anyway, so why not just replace the joint?
 
I bet chances are by the time you notice a ball joint boot is torn up, the joint has been contaminated with water and dirt and should probably be replaced anyway.

Unless you're just talking a little tear that had just been inflicted. :eek:

Either way, Steve's right....might as well get it all done, unless you're on a major budget. :)
 
That's what I thought. Yippie looks like all the cars are going to the alignment shop shortly.
 
You know, I have heard of people replacing just the ball joint (leaving the control arm in place), but I have never done it. It could be a real pain depending on how frozen the joint is in the arm. If you have the tools, though, you could try it.
 
S_Mazza said:
You know, I have heard of people replacing just the ball joint (leaving the control arm in place), but I have never done it. It could be a real pain depending on how frozen the joint is in the arm. If you have the tools, though, you could try it.
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I was actually going to do that, but decided to just replace the whole arm. I even have the new ball joints somewhere still. :rolleyes:
 
Yeah, the arms are not much more expensive. Seemed not worth the trouble at the time ... but I am still hoarding the old arms for when I get really motivated and attempt to swap out those ball joints and bushings! :rolleyes:
 
ENERGY SUSPENSION sells replacement boots. i have them on all the boots on my rx7 they are ok at best. the factory ones have a positive seal at the bottom and when you install the energy suspension ones they just more or less sit on the greasey part. look good for a show car or some car that doesnt get driven alot but i dont beleve they will hold in the grease very well so it may make a mess.

but.... when you look at suspension and everything is red it does look good.
 
S_Mazza said:
Yeah, the arms are not much more expensive. Seemed not worth the trouble at the time ... but I am still hoarding the old arms for when I get really motivated and attempt to swap out those ball joints and bushings! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I think I changed just the lower ball on my 5.0; wasn't too bad besides the smashed thumb.
 
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