Id like to start this thread off by stating i have no idea when it comes to ball joints! but however.. 2 of my ball joint boots have splits in them, how do i go about replacing the boots? have any of you done this before and have pictures? the calipers, discs, hub and backing plates have all been removed so access isnt a problem. cheers in advance for the help.
Replace the rubbers , if the ball joints aren't flooping about like flacid willy they are usually ok - if the are a little bit stiff they are fine - rubbers are cheap ball joints not so !
ok ive gone for just the boots. had to buy new boots for the track rod ends too, mine are all pretty crap. how easy are they to fit? and what do i need to take off etc? sorry these may seem like dumb questions but im only 21, this is my first full resto and im learning so please bear with me haha. cheers guys.
You need to buy new spring retainers the hold the rubber on to the rim in the ball joint or carefully remove the old ones with a flat blade screwdriver and reuse them .
You are going to have to undo the ball joint nut and then brake the taper joint for this you can buy a ball joint braker ( like a fork type thing) or you can brake them with a hammer by hitting the area around where the ball joint sits. Hope this makes sense
The ball joint itself is sooo expensive compared to just the rubber .... ;D If the rubber is split then water /crap will have entered plus they are 40years old so for me its false economy
I'd replace them. youve gone to the trouble of stripping everything down so you might as well. good luck, they can be a bu&&er to replace if they are 40 years old
If you really do think they are original, avoid Meyle replacements. Meyles are made oversize to take into account the wear in the arms from fitting several replacements in the past. If these are first time replacements, the Meyles will get crushed and you won't be able to steer in a staight line. Ask me how I know. Mine's a US import. In some USA states there is no mot as we know it and such parts may never have been replaced. I kid you not - I had 1/4 turn free play in the steering. If it's a uk bus, they will have been replaced and you're probably ok with the Meyle ball joints. I've replaced lots and never had a problem before this USA bus.
