Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Issues with ball joint boots, how do I correct?

Dave Seitz · Mega Poster

When I had done a former members car I used Moog on the entire front suspension.
I trust those components, so after the rebuilding the suspension front to back owner said,
"Handles like my squad car". So if you want to drive and put miles on put in the good stuff.
How many guys crawl under to look at Ball joints or other suspension components?

Larry Lucast · Active Member

I have used a lot of Energy Suspension parts. They are mostly made of urethane. If you just want to replace your boots, I am sure they offer one.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

What I see so far with Moog and other replacement lower ball joints, the boot just slips over the joint and there is a kind of a compression fit at the bottom of the boot and also at the top of the boot. On the original style lower joints the bottom of the boot is contained inside a metal sleeve. Good design if the boot holds up; but in my case three have failed so far.

So likely to go with new Moog lower joints or the AC deco joints.

http://www.autoanything.com/steering/77A13765A4736318.aspx

-- Edited by jim larson on Wednesday 7th of March 2018 02:39:58 PM

jim larson · 2K+ Club

After watching this one has to wonder about Moog ball Joints. design of the Delco joint looks better, maybe you could even add some kind of retainer on the lower part of the boot; but it looks like the joint may have some method of retaining the boot, like the originals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8ZVahKc06o

Lost in the 60s · President

All the recent Moog lowers I have installed have a metal ring molded INSIDE the rubber boot and need to be pushed on rather firmly. They seal tight and stay put.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Maybe a little metal to rubber locktite will help insure no leakage.

Lost in the 60s · President

jim larson wrote:
Maybe a little metal to rubber locktite will help insure no leakage.

The Moog boot is designed to leak, you need to clock the port to inboard so the excess/expelled grease doesn't get on the brakes/tire.

http://fme-cat.com/livedocs/DYK11_102_ENG-R.pdf

-- Edited by Lost in the 60s on Friday 9th of March 2018 08:42:56 PM

jim larson · 2K+ Club

I was thinking about down on the bottom, you mentioned a sleeve for a press fit, I just thought maybe that would help; but with the design to leak at the top if you overfill its probably mute, just don't put to much grease in there in the first place. That link is a nice explanation of the moog boot and design, thanks.