How to replace ball joint boot?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 15, 2005 | 12:18 PM

hz900

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,699

Likes: 2

From: The Black Hole LA

How to replace ball joint boot?

Both the upper ball joint boots are torn on my project car and need replacing so grease doesn't get all over the supspension pieces I just polished (PITA).

Anyway is there a way to replace the boots without damaging and replacing the ball joints because they still appear to be good and after checking the price on these ball joints I'd rather not replace if I don't have to.

Feb 15, 2005 | 12:21 PM

CentralCoaster

Team Owner

Joined: May 2002

Posts: 24,337

Likes: 25

From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed

Got pics of the suspension?

Feb 15, 2005 | 12:36 PM

brookman

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 926

Likes: 2

From: chandler az

Yes there is - if you can find the tool that fits. it kind of looks like a horseshoe with a bolt through the center. This is actually a pitman arm puller - http://www.toolrage.com/prodView.asp?idproduct=2451

I have also used a small gear puller. Make sure you back the nut off - just until there are no threads exposed - in case the bolt slips.

I found this - but have never used it.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/ta61900.html

I would definately avoid the picklefork method.

Feb 15, 2005 | 12:47 PM

hz900

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,699

Likes: 2

From: The Black Hole LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by CentralCoaster

Got pics of the suspension?

I'm redoing the whole car, got the front tore down to the frame rails to clean and paint. I'm taking pics along the way and will post the whole project when I'm done probably this summer. If I get a chance I might post some individual pics of the suspension for ya though, although I haven't uploaded them yet so it might be a little bit.

Feb 15, 2005 | 03:22 PM

mean8t

Racer

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 472

Likes: 0

From: Tampa Bay Area

Energy suspension makes a nice poly kit to replace all the boots on the ball joints and tie rod ends. Not bad price replace all of 'um while you are in there.

Feb 15, 2005 | 03:59 PM

hz900

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,699

Likes: 2

From: The Black Hole LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mean8t

Energy suspension makes a nice poly kit to replace all the boots on the ball joints and tie rod ends. Not bad price replace all of 'um while you are in there.

yeah I know I am looking at that kit. Just want to know how to replace. They don't just simply slip over do they? I thought you had to take the ball joint out to replace the boot, or am I mistaken.

Feb 15, 2005 | 04:33 PM

VenkmanP

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 3,793

Likes: 9

From: VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by hz900

yeah I know I am looking at that kit. Just want to know how to replace. They don't just simply slip over do they? I thought you had to take the ball joint out to replace the boot, or am I mistaken.

You do not have to press the joint out. They do just slip over. I don't recall the details on the vette as it's been a while since I did it. It was either this car or my Accord where the original boots were held on with some retainers that were a PITA to get off. Other than that no problems.

Feb 18, 2005 | 03:32 PM

boatman

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 858

Likes: 6

From: Hobe Sound FL

Ball Joint Boots

Quote:

Originally Posted by hz900

yeah I know I am looking at that kit. Just want to know how to replace. They don't just simply slip over do they? I thought you had to take the ball joint out to replace the boot, or am I mistaken.

Sent you e mail. If you find out, or have the address where I can get boot replacement's, please let me know. I have one that is shot.
Thanks,
Boatman
Sunny south FL