JPD Posted January 30, 2016 Report Share Posted January 30, 2016 (edited) I bought a complete front suspension overhaul kit 2 years ago as part of my 4A restoration. I fitted the upper ball joint about year ago and since then the car has just been been moved around the garage whilst the rest of the restoration continued. I was finishing off the front suspension today when I noticed that the rubber boot had a large split in it. It has covered about 40 yards since I fitted it!! I bought the kit from Rimmer and I have no doubt that they will replace it, but 1) Has anyone else had similar problems? 2) Have I installed it correctly? There is no grease nipple on it, but should I have greased the outside of the rubber? A photo is attached Edited January 30, 2016 by JPD Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted January 30, 2016 Report Share Posted January 30, 2016 This is/was a common problem a year or so ago. Not sure if the rubber has improved. TRy these people http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/ Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 should I have greased the outside of the rubber? No, that would just attract dirt. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JPD Posted January 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 Thanks for the advice. I'll talk with Rimmer to see if they were experiencing problems at the time I bought these and try to understand if the ones they have now are any better. I find it amazing that this one split so easily. It didn't even have the weight of the engine on it until just before Christmas. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 Regular occurrence especially with cheap items. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JPD Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Regular occurrence especially with cheap items. Stuart. Is there a supplier you'd recommend that can supply a better quality one? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 See Roger's post above. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JPD Posted February 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 They supply the boots, but if the boot has perished this quickly I'd rather replace the complete ball joint. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Peter Cobbold Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Its puzzling. Rotting rubber has been a regular thread on here for years. Items were OK when bought but split and perished a year or so after fitting, without the car turning a wheel. That short life means suppliers' own stock must be going off on their shelves. Are they routinely binning rotten rubber and - this the nub - ordering more of the same cr*p rubbish. And then selling it. Peter Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Hi Jeff, whether the boot is perished or not the joint itself should be OK. If you but a new ball joint you may well have the same problem. Simply buy the new 'better' boot. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 Make sure that the ball joint doesnt bind in some positions, some of the cheaper ones will. I havent had any problems with TR Shop ones though the rubber problem has been affecting a lot, its mostly because they dont tend to use real rubber anymore! Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ctc77965o Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 may I suggest: http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/ I got a variety pack and am replacing the craptastic materials supplied by our vendors. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 I have a couple of NOS S-T ball joints in my garage. Both rubber boots have crumbled to powder. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JPD Posted February 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 Thanks for everybody's suggestions on this. I've spoken with Rimmers and they are sending me 2 replacement ball joints. I'll also buy some new rubber boots from http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/ and put these on before fitting to the car. Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hothersall Posted February 6, 2016 Report Share Posted February 6, 2016 I had this problem a couple of years back when fitting polbushes and new ball joints. I purchased polyurethane ones from Bulgaria they should be very durable. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-UNIVERSAL-Tuning-Polyurethane-11-27-22-Track-Rod-End-and-Ball-Joint-Boots-/321969096167?hash=item4af6da85e7:g:3WkAAOSw9mFWH6wF scan down the page a bit and find which size you want. I cannot remember exacly which ones i purchased for bot top and bottom John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.