Repairing Guides

how to repair ball joint boot

by Marianna Fay II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Poor Man's Tie Rod End (or Ball Joint) Boot

  1. Tools and Supplies. - - Band saw (use power tools whenever possible!)
  2. Identify and Prep. Do all of them at once! ...
  3. Measure Twice, Cut Once! Measure the diameter of hose you will need. ...
  4. Cut New Boot to Length. Using whetever means available, cut you new boot (s) to length. ...
  5. Quality Assurance. ...
  6. Install Your New Boot! ...
  7. Final Thoughts and Considerations.

Part of a video titled Tie rod or Ball joint boot repair secret Mark's Mechanic Minute
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1:55
We're going to be using a grease needle any auto parts store will have these. And then to repair theMoreWe're going to be using a grease needle any auto parts store will have these. And then to repair the boot itself we're going to be using this stretch. And seal tape.

Full Answer

How to remove rubber from ball joints?

This should work with any ball joint, or tie rod end type of joint. - - Band saw (use power tools whenever possible!) Do all of them at once! Find all instances of deteriorated boots and remove any left over rubber from around the joint. This joint had no boot at all left!

What to do if your tie rod dust boot has rotted away?

Many of you are discovering that your tie rod dust boot or ball joint dust boot has rotted away or even split. As a solution, Energy Suspension offers several universal polyurethane dust boots to replace these on your vehicle. You will need to measure three points on your existing joint in order to choose the right boot.

How do I replace a broken ball joint?

Purchase the correct replacement ball joint assembly for your vehicle. Go to the auto parts store and get a replacement part appropriate for your make and model. All you've got to know is the type of vehicle and you should be able to use the guidebook in the aisle, or ask for help and they'll be able to direct you.

How do you replace a ball joint on a steering wheel?

Guide the new joint through the knuckle hole. Slide the new rubber boot over the ball joint’s stud and guide the new ball joint back up through the steering knuckle hole, where it came from. Bolt the joint into place using the hardware included.

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How do you get the boot back on a ball joint?

15:2419:59How to Replace Ball Joint Rubber Boots | Lexus IS300/GS300/SC300YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean i'm gonna remove that boot right here on the tie rod. And reinstall the lower ball joint backMoreClean i'm gonna remove that boot right here on the tie rod. And reinstall the lower ball joint back on and reattach that and grease it up with a new boot there. And we should be done with the bottom.

Can you put a new boot on a ball joint?

0:275:22How to fit a rubber boot in a ball joint - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you pack up the new boot with some lithium grease. This is just to keep the joint grease it'sMoreAnd you pack up the new boot with some lithium grease. This is just to keep the joint grease it's not to ease up the installation.

What is ball joint boot?

Your vehicle may be wearing boots right now and you might not even know it. They're called ball joint boots. They're actually protective, flexible things that protect parts of your suspension (called ball joints) from all the hazards the road can fling at them.

How do you check ball joints on a boot?

0:242:53How to Check if a Ball Joint is Bad - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo with both tires securely off the ground. You want to grab the 12 and 6 o'clock positions on theMoreSo with both tires securely off the ground. You want to grab the 12 and 6 o'clock positions on the tire. Wiggle. It back and forth pushing in and out feeling for any play.

Can you replace the rubber on a ball joint?

you can replace them if you can find them,,, if you are real serious and the joint is ok,, buy some cheap ball joints at autozone, then use the boots...get some cheap joint that has a boot that will fit,, then throw away the joint,, bad news is , it might cost you 10 bucks or more for a boot.

How do you install a ball joint without a press?

3:496:10How to remove and install ball joints without a press using only a floor ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt takes a snap ring to hold that top in instead of that factory. Crimp. To being here the match isMoreIt takes a snap ring to hold that top in instead of that factory. Crimp. To being here the match is kind of the diameter here of the seat surface for the ball joint.

How do you change a tie rod boot?

3:097:53How to Replace Front Tie Rod Boot 06-10 Ford Explorer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWait for it to break remove the outer tie rod boat. Install the boot. Make sure the inner portion ofMoreWait for it to break remove the outer tie rod boat. Install the boot. Make sure the inner portion of the steering rack boot is.

How much does a ball joint repair cost?

You might be surprised to learn that replacing a ball joint is not overly expensive. You can expect to pay around $300 in most cases, including both parts and labor. Most ball joints cost about $100 to $150, while the labor costs will run you $150 to $200.

How do you replace ball joint dust covers?

0:103:23Ball Joint Rubber Boot/Dust Cover, Split MOT failure. Cheap Easy FixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'll replace it I'll put me phone down what I want to do is get me Stanley now just go round itMoreAnd I'll replace it I'll put me phone down what I want to do is get me Stanley now just go round it cut it off underneath a little bit metal spring in there what holds it on.

How tell if ball joints are bad?

Noise – this can be a clunking or squeaking noise. Clunking noises are caused by the worn ball joints rattling as the suspension travels up and down over the road. The squeaking noise is caused by the rubber boot that protects the grease inside the ball joint is damaged, the ball joint will start to squeak.

What do bad ball joints sound like?

Sound — Usually the first indication of worn or loose ball joints will be a faint, intermittent clunking noise that seems to be coming from a corner of your vehicle. The sound may be more pronounced when going over a bump or a dip or when going around a corner.

How do you lubricate ball joints?

0:031:53How-To Grease Ball Joints, Tie Rods, and Other Suspension Components.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe ball joints on your car or truck it's actually pretty simple you're going to need a grease gunMoreThe ball joints on your car or truck it's actually pretty simple you're going to need a grease gun full of grease to ensure. That it's primed and ready to go give it a couple of pumps.

How much does a ball joint repair cost?

You might be surprised to learn that replacing a ball joint is not overly expensive. You can expect to pay around $300 in most cases, including both parts and labor. Most ball joints cost about $100 to $150, while the labor costs will run you $150 to $200.

How do you replace ball joint dust covers?

0:103:23Ball Joint Rubber Boot/Dust Cover, Split MOT failure. Cheap Easy FixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I'll replace it I'll put me phone down what I want to do is get me Stanley now just go round itMoreAnd I'll replace it I'll put me phone down what I want to do is get me Stanley now just go round it cut it off underneath a little bit metal spring in there what holds it on.

How do you install ball joint clips?

1:022:03How to Install a Truck's Snap Ring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere my needle nose pliers take an insert into the eyes on my snap. Ring just like so before i loadMoreHere my needle nose pliers take an insert into the eyes on my snap. Ring just like so before i load this snap ring i'm going to slip on my safety glasses. Take and expand it. And seat it in its spot.

What kind of grease goes in ball joints?

Valvoline Moly-Fortified Gray Full Synthetic Grease is generally considered the best grease for ball joints. Keeping the various ball joints in your car properly greased is vital to ensuring that they are adequately lubricated, moving smoothly, and not making too much noise.

Why is fixing old ball joints important?

Recognizable for a knocking sound in the wheel well as you execute a turn, fixing old ball joints is an important part of keeping your vehicle road-safe. You can do it yourself for the price of the parts and the right approach. Steps.

How to check if a ball joint is strut style?

Figure out if your vehicle's got a strut-style suspension or a control arm, then check the ball joint by either jacking up the control arm near the ball joint to check for wheel play, or by jacking up the car and using a pry-bar to check for wheel play in a strut-style suspension.

How to remove a McPherson strut?

1. Pull the cotter pin and loosen the large castellated nut. The top should look like a crown, or castle, at the bottom. Leave the castellated nut in place, just a few turns in to keep it in a safe place. If you’re working on a McPherson strut suspension remove the “pinch bolt” that clamps the ball joint stud.

How to make a sandbox?

Prep the work area. Park on a flat surface and block both rear wheels, front and back. Jack both front wheels off the ground and support the vehicle with jack stands. Chock the back tires to make sure nothing will move anywhere while you're working. ...

Can you replace a ball joint on a car?

Replacing a ball joint can affect alignment. If a ball joint is worn enough, and the vehicle was previously aligned, it might be wise have the vehicle realigned.

Step 1: Tools and Supplies

You will need: - A piece of heater hose (we used 3/4") - A means to cut the heater hose - - Band saw (use power tools whenever possible!) - - Utility knife (Razor type knife) - - Diagonal cutters (Dykes)

Step 2: Identify and Prep

Do all of them at once! Find all instances of deteriorated boots and remove any left over rubber from around the joint. This joint had no boot at all left!

Step 3: Measure Twice, Cut Once!

Measure the diameter of hose you will need. It should completely cover the socket where the ball fits into the joint. Then measure the length of hose you will need. It should have a small amount of compression when the joint is reinstalled.

Step 4: Cut New Boot to Length

Using whetever means available, cut you new boot (s) to length. Be sure to insure the ends are square to provide the best seal.

Step 5: Quality Assurance

Admire your new boot. Notice the perfectly square and clean ends. See how they are free of any burrs, reinforcing braids, or loose rubber particles. What a superb job you have done!

Step 6: Install Your New Boot!

Slide that bad boy up on the stem of the tie rod end and reasemble the joint. Don't forget to properly torque the fastener and install a new cotter pin!

Step 7: Final Thoughts and Considerations

1. Please remember to grease the joint after assembly. 2. I am pretty sure that the rubber in a heater hose will not stand up to super long term exposure to petroleum products (that's why we don't use radiator hoses for gas tank filler necks). However, this will keep grease in and protect the joint from foreign matter.

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