Ball Joint Boots
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Maryland
Ball Joint Boots
I own a B3000 Dual Sport 2WD w/torsion bars. I noticed the "grease boots" on its ball joints with only 32K miles are badly cracked.....my question is...hasn't someone got a way to repair the boot on an otherwise perfect ball joint without replacing the whole thing? This kinda rubber should never be used on trucks. Good neoprene (spelling) should last 50+ years!
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
I have the same problem on my 99 that started cracking between 50-60K miles.
About the only thing we can do is use a grease needle on a grease gun & shoot some marine grade lube in there & replace the BJ's when they get worn & loose.
Both my lower & upper boots are cracked.
The lower began to show signs of cracking about 2 years ago. The danged rubber looks like some of Fords recycled rubber product, like they used on my 94 Taurus emergency brake pedal pad. They only last me about two years & it'll split again.
Now the rubber emergency brake pedal pad on my 78 Merc Zypher is still good, cause it wasn't made out of that recycled rubber crap.
Pawpaw's recycled rubber rant for the day!!!! lol
About the only thing we can do is use a grease needle on a grease gun & shoot some marine grade lube in there & replace the BJ's when they get worn & loose.
Both my lower & upper boots are cracked.
The lower began to show signs of cracking about 2 years ago. The danged rubber looks like some of Fords recycled rubber product, like they used on my 94 Taurus emergency brake pedal pad. They only last me about two years & it'll split again.
Now the rubber emergency brake pedal pad on my 78 Merc Zypher is still good, cause it wasn't made out of that recycled rubber crap.
Pawpaw's recycled rubber rant for the day!!!! lol
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 23
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From: Maryland
I thought someone would have had a better idea (besides replacing the BJ's).
You would think it would be unthinkable to Ford to use self destructing materials on these great trucks, and even moreso on something as serious as "sealed" ball joints.....well..come to think of it.... haha so much for sealed!!!
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 295
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From: poughkeepsie ny
I've never heard of replaceable boots on a balljoint/ tie rod end/ etc. When I messed one up using a pickle fork once on my car I wished someone did market them!
I assume your joints dont have any zerk fittings on them, otherwise I'd suggest you to give 'em a couple of squeezes every few months.
Tho I doubt this would work, most home centers (Home Depot, for example) sell this silicone stretchy tape usually found in the plumbing section, which is advertised as a (poor man's) way to fix leaky pipes and the like. Real interesting stuff. It uses no sticky adhesives (like electrical or duct tape) but seals better than both in in situations where it can get wrapped around itself. Some brands will work in high temps (which would be good for your application), but make sure to check the box.
If you end up trying it, make sure to wipe down the boot 1st and stretch the tape to its limit as youre applying. As I said, it only sticks to itself (and not any dirt or grease that might land on it) so keep it clean when youre wrapping.
I assume your joints dont have any zerk fittings on them, otherwise I'd suggest you to give 'em a couple of squeezes every few months.
Tho I doubt this would work, most home centers (Home Depot, for example) sell this silicone stretchy tape usually found in the plumbing section, which is advertised as a (poor man's) way to fix leaky pipes and the like. Real interesting stuff. It uses no sticky adhesives (like electrical or duct tape) but seals better than both in in situations where it can get wrapped around itself. Some brands will work in high temps (which would be good for your application), but make sure to check the box.
If you end up trying it, make sure to wipe down the boot 1st and stretch the tape to its limit as youre applying. As I said, it only sticks to itself (and not any dirt or grease that might land on it) so keep it clean when youre wrapping.
