LCA Boot Leak

[richtersand]

Ouch... went to get grease in the front suspension lower control arm boot. The DS filled up great... probably over pressured it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153115&d=1630992579



Moved on to the PS and started leaking immediately... I am sure I need to swap the boot. Any advice/suggestions on the best way to do this? Part number recs?

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153117&d=1630992607

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153116&d=1630992607

[Tbev]

I received one of my LCA boots just like that from FFR. It had a small cut in it near the retaining ring. I contacted FFR and they told me to put a little silicone on it and it will be fine. Against my better judgement I tried this and of course the silicone did not hold. FFR sent me a whole new ball joint. I took the boot from the new ball joint and replaced the damaged one. I found that getting that retaining ring on was very difficult and after I managed to do it and put it all back together it ended up leaking again because I damaged the boot putting the retaining ring on. The moral of this story is replace them with these: Energy Suspension 5.13102G

[CraigS]

You could run that boot for another decade w/o a problem. So I'd at least wait until winter to replace it.

[rich grsc]

You aren't supposed to 'fill' the boot.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Just an FYI, as Rich said you don't fill the boot. They're "dust boots" intended to keep dirt and grime away from the moving part of the joint, not hold lubricant. You grease until you see the boot begin to expand which indicates that the chamber around the ball is full---then stop.

Jeff

[richtersand]

Just an FYI, as Rich said you don't fill the boot. They're "dust boots" intended to keep dirt and grime away from the moving part of the joint, not hold lubricant. You grease until you see the boot begin to expand which indicates that the chamber around the ball is full---then stop.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff & Rich, I had a feeling something wasn't quite right. I was using the "fill it until it leaks" method. But this is really helpful, thank you for the feedback. I will depressurize the boot :D



You could run that boot for another decade w/o a problem. So I'd at least wait until winter to replace it.

Thanks Craig, that's really encouraging.

The cut is in a prominent position on the boot... would it be worth using a bicycle tire patch kit to seal it up so it holds a little grease?

[AC Bill]

You sure that hole is not intended to be there? Perhaps it's to allow for excess grease to escape, rather than the boot bursting open? Maybe it will only open up from inside
over-pressure, and not allow contaminants entry.

I saw these instructions on a Moog website.

MOOG ball joint boot installation. All Makes, All Models Utilizing A Ball Joint With Boot

Always install the new MOOG boot onto the ball joint with the grease relief valve positioned inward, away from the wheel.
The boot may have the words “MOUNT INBOARD” and/or an arrow stamped on it.
Be sure to position these markings away from the wheel.

[richtersand]

You sure that hole is not intended to be there? Perhaps it's to allow for excess grease to escape, rather than the boot bursting open? Maybe it will only open up from inside
over-pressure, and not allow contaminants entry.


Thanks for the feedback, Bill. Good thinking. Given my experience with the DS boot and no hole, I'm pretty sure it's not an intentional relief valve.

Based on Craig and Jeff's comments, I think a bicycle tire patch will hold me over until I need to swap it out for good.

[Norm B]

I would just wipe the grease off and call it good. Those boots look like silicone based rubber. Your chances of getting any patch type material to stick are Slim and None and Slim is out of town.

Norm

[richtersand]

I would just wipe the grease off and call it good. Those boots look like silicone based rubber. Your chances of getting any patch type material to stick are Slim and None and Slim is out of town.

Norm

:D hahaha

What about something like this with a patch? https://www.walmart.com/ip/Permatex-12045P-Silicone-Adhesive/38471969

Seems like I should try to patch it with something...

[Norm B]

That will glue almost everything together but it may not stick to silicone. Wipe the grease off. Spray a rag with brake cleaner and wipe the area again then try your glue.

Norm

[richtersand]

That will glue almost everything together but it may not stick to silicone. Wipe the grease off. Spray a rag with brake cleaner and wipe the area again then try your glue.

Norm

Thanks Norm, I’ll report back.