ball joint dust boots

quote:

Originally posted by tajon:
isn't there an inexpensive dust boot for the rear ball joints? I can't seem to find the old post, but I thought someone got some from a national parts supplier like napa or o'rileys....

Not that I heard of. Hall Pantera has them listed separately now and is the least expensive of any that I have noticed.

I think they are not universal and they are specific to the car.

They may cross over to Maserati but do you think if you go that route they will be cheaper. Let me know. I need some too.

Yes, Energy Suspension Tie Rod End Boot # 9.13119G

I have a couple in inventory (not for sale) and I believe that I had to trim about 1/8" off the lower circumference. It has been a long while since I did the mod. Works very well - has the JT seal of approval (FWTW)

quote:

Originally posted by JTpantera:
has the JT seal of approval (FWTW)

I would point out that there are universal boots that will fit and most auto parts stores have a variety of three or four.

The issue is they don't fit well like the originals do and they don't last long. The quality of the rubber isn't very good.

Nothing fits like the originals do.

Wilkinson lists them separately now also.

There are Dorman boots that fit also but they just don't last like the originals do.

The originals have the wire strap clamp on them.

quote:

Energy Suspension Tie Rod End Boot # 9.13119G

thanks JT

Well, I just received my six boots from Hall. Fronts are one. Rears --- OMFG. Okay, how? A search netted nothing. Do I have to removed the upper rear control are, and is so, is there a special tool for R&R of the ball joint?

No special tool that I know of for the joint, just your average pickle fork.

There may be a "press" tool listed somewhere for it that was in the original "dealers tool kit".

Don't remember for sure but the purpose for it was so not to tear up the boot.

This isn't a three or four credit course Bob. You get a Ph.D. in the Pantera.

If this works out well, I am scared of MORE of them. And there are quite a few in the KC area. I often say that cars are "just toasters". Dead? Get another one. Broken? Just fix it.

Some "toasters" are different than others. What's wonderful about this is the small community of helpful people. Not "forum racing" crap, no posers, and helpful vendors. Oh, no "electronics" either. The only "solid state" item in the whole car is the radio. No ALDL connector, no magic, just a pile of metal, carpet, Naugahyde, glass, and four pieces of magnesium. Love it.

Rears are a PITA. After replacing mine twice (operator error the first time) I came up with a fairly good system. I'll try to describeit. The issue I had was getting the boot to stay in place while you stretch it. Jam the boot up as closely as possible to the ball. Using a small hose clamp secure it in place. Using a small screwdriver stretch the boot around the ball.

Already did the fronts. Solved the "issue" with the rears. The control arms are on the way to Wilkinson !!!!!!!!!!!
1) Better to be a live chicken than a dead hero, and
2) I am smart enough to know when I am not smart enough.

I have enough other stuff to do on this car, so assistance is worth a few bucks.