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Lower Ball Joint Boot Install trick???

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cooter95206

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
OK, so it cain't be Rocket Surgery BUT....
I've already had my lower ball joint pressed into the A-Arm. I'm trying to get that damn grease-holdin(actual function, not a curse word) boot seated on the joint. It's a Moog, w/ a steel ring sealed inside the rubber. Seems like if I get 1 side seated, the other side pops off. I don't see a recessed area or anything on the balljoint base for the boot ring to latch onto. Is there a special trick/tool for this?
I feel like a real ass for asking such a simple question, but I'll be damned if I can get this thing to stay put. I don't wanna screw up the rubber with multiple screwdrivers trying to pry it into place.
 
#2 ·
I may have had the same issue. I could not get the metal ring to fit over the moog rubber. My metal seat went on the outside. The moog boot is so big, I figured you must just run it without the metal seat. It seems to work fine as the spindle forces it and holds it down. I could be wring but I could not get that ring on. Also the moog boot does not have a lip for the metal to hold onto. :confused: Did I make a mistake? The grease still looked pretty clean last time I greased it so I think it is protected just fine.
 
#4 ·
71metbu said:
I did what Brett said, it's all I could get. Now it has opened up some, and it bothers me everytime I go under the car.
Click to expand...
Thats annoying, mine are still in great shape. I guess you should replace it or just grease more often... :(
 
#5 ·
The Moog boot is particularly hard to put on. I have a piece of pipe that fits over the boot but sits on the rubber lip that contains the metal ring (a LARGE socket would do the same thing). I pop one side on and then use a hammer to drive the other side down onto the ball joint. It is best to do this before you put the grease fitting in the bottom of the ball joint. Note there is a little notch on the under side of the rubber boot that goes to the inboard side (there is some small writing on the boot that says mount inboard). This is a grease release and allows the excess grease to come out of the boot away from your brakes.:waving:
 
#7 ·
I also used a piece of pipe to drive it on but that was after I ruined a boot and had to buy another.
 
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#8 ·
I used a pipe that matched the diameter of the perimeter of the boot and hit on the ring part. Worked but not perfect as the pipes edge is still sharp enough to cut into the boot no matter where it contacts.

I even tried a small socket and just tapped around till I got it seated. That worked too but I put a small pinhole in one of my boots on accident. I didnt mind, the amount of grease inside will render any small amount of water that gets in there harmless, plus greasing it every oil change. It isnt really a big deal.
 
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#9 ·
The middle adapter tube from the lower ball joint press (OTC brand,all the others are just clones) is the perfect size to push the lower ball joint boot on the ball joint after its been installed in the control arm,been doing it that way for more years than I care to remember.
 
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#11 ·
I realize this is an old thread but I found it when trying to solve this issue so I'm gonna post to maybe help others.
I was having the same issue on my 67 C10. A 2" PVC was the perfect fit and I greased the boot and ball joint and still managed to to damage the hard ring at the bottom of the boot. In frustration I cut the metal ring in the boot and wire tied it on like I do with my dirt bike handle bar grips. This reminded me of the old trick for putting on grips. Spray the inside with hairspray. I tried this on the other side and it went right on.
Tony
 
#12 ·
I realize this is an old thread but I found it when trying to solve this issue so I'm gonna post to maybe help others.
I was having the same issue on my 67 C10. A 2" PVC was the perfect fit and I greased the boot and ball joint and still managed to to damage the hard ring at the bottom of the boot. In frustration I cut the metal ring in the boot and wire tied it on like I do with my dirt bike handle bar grips. This reminded me of the old trick for putting on grips. Spray the inside with hairspray. I tried this on the other side and it went right on.
Tony
 
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BillsCamino
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