Upper Ball Joint

[theamcguy]

Was looking at the suspension the other day and it appears the seal covering the upper ball joint has just crumbled away leaving the ball joint exposed. Doesn't look like anyway to put a new boot on either. Doesn't look like it was very well designed.

 

[Timd32]

Or it's perfectly designed from a supplier's standpoint.

 

[theamcguy]

Is there any way to fix it short of replacing the ball joint which is still very tight.

 

[mwilson]

I don't think there are any viable options other than replace the ball joint.

I have a torn boot on the lower left ball joint on the Caddy and I will have to replace the entire lower control arm/ ball joint assembly as a result. I have never seen replacement boots offered during my decades of parts experience.
Probably a combination of almost non-existent demand and liability concerns....

 

[mwilson]

I'm going to retract my statement, just "Googled" it and they do exist!! Wrong already and it's only 8.15....

Not sure yet how you get the correct one but here is a place to start.....

https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Suspension-9-13125G-BALLJOINT-REPLACEMENT/dp/B000CN5EUQ

 

[mwilson]

Here is the Energy Suspension page, measurements are how it's done. Go to a parts store and have them dig out a replacement ball joint so you can put calipers on it or maybe you can find the dimensions needed on line. Still going to have to remove the knuckle though to install..

https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/universal-dust-boots.asp

 

[theamcguy]

Good info, I'll see if I can get the measurements.

 

[JKellis]

Good info, I'll see if I can get the measurements.

I replaced all four of the boots on my ball joints last year. I was in the same situation you are in, the ball joints were still tight. I recommend cleaning the grit and grime from the joints before you replace the boots, then drill the ball joints and add grease zerks to keep them lubed.

 

[theamcguy]

I replaced all four of the boots on my ball joints last year. I

Do you remember what size the upper ball joint boots were?

 

[mwilson]

Energy Suspension might know if you call them..worth a shot..

 

[DavidC]

I replaced all four of the boots on my ball joints last year. I was in the same situation you are in, the ball joints were still tight. I recommend cleaning the grit and grime from the joints before you replace the boots, then drill the ball joints and add grease zerks to keep them lubed.

Where did you get them ?

 

[JKellis]

I bought a set on eBay. The lower ones fit, but the uppers were too small. I already had one side apart and went into desperation mode. It just happened that I had a pair of replacement lower ball joints for my 69 Camaro sitting in the garage. The Camaro lower boots were a perfect fit for the dually uppers.