Ball Joint Boot Replacment??

[mnetwork]

Broke my right axle last week at the track.. just took it out today.. I was using that ball joint fork like tool to get the tie rod endo off and the lower ball joint off. Tie rod end came off fine, but I tore the lower ball joint boot. Can I just buy a new boot to replace it?? Or do I have to do something else...

 

[TwoLiterLaser]

I just tried looking on AutoZone's web site and I did not see just a boot. Try calling your local Mitsubishi or Dodge dealer and see what they say. Good luck.

 

[turbosax2]

I'm pretty sure you can't just replace the boot - you have to replace the whole piece. Next time just unbolt the piece on the other end instead of messing with the ball joint side.

 

[nate97GSX]

You have to buy the whole lower ball joint. Go with a Mitsu factory one. They do make a tool that you can use that wont tear up the ball joint. The fork tool almost always does.

 

[mnetwork]

First... I tried to take off the other end to avoid the ball joint, but I've always had issues with it. I can get the nut off, but can't slide out the bolt, can't even spin it... I've never been able to get it off.. even used an impact gun once.. That is why I messed with the ball joint.

So there is no way to get just boot for the ball joint??

How should I get the ball joint off now that I can't get the entire arm off the car??

 

[blcknspo0ln]

You can't buy just the boot. Some have sold just the ball joint, but for the cost and frustration, you probably just want a new one control arm. Besides, depending on how long the boot was torn, dirt, grim etc. may cause that ball joint to have premature failure. Mitsu/Chrysler already have a safety recall on this, so you may want to look into that as your solution.

In terms of getting the actual lower control arm to pop off, I had the same problem where it seemed that it DID NOT want to come off. I simply bolted everything back together (even if you don't have the axle, its OK) and make sure the assembly is nice and sturdy. THEN go at it again with the fork. I've noticed it's much better to tap is (with half force) until the fork slides more than 3/4 of the way in and then when it won't slide anymore, hit it with all you've got. Don't repeatedly hit it quickly, just whack it in a steady slow motion.

JNZtuning offers them at around ~150 new from the factory. With something this important (to your car AND your life) I would suck it up and buy it factory fresh, not from autozone.

 

[wret]

For the future:

You don't have to break loose ball joints or tie rod ends to remove the axle. Just remove the two bolts on the lower lateral control arm and you can swing the knuckle out enough to remove the axle.

Edit: I see in post 5 that you have a stuck bolt. If it comes down to having to replace the control arm you will lkely need to cut through the arm, bushing and bolt to get it out. Plan on going through a few sawzall blades; the bolts are hardened.

 

[mnetwork]

Yeah, that's what I'm trying to avoid.... But, I just called Mitsubishi.. they said they do sell the boot alone and it's like $5...

 

[mnetwork]

Woot... I called a whole bunch of Dodge, Crysler, and Mitsubishi dealers and found someone who had it in stock finally... The part number is MB808555 for anyone who should ever need this part... And this is the boot for the lower control arm ball joint. This arm is the straight one, not the curved one..

 

[mygsx2120]

Just so you know, the straight lower control arms, have a recall on them. If you take it to a dealership they will replace both control arms for free. That is what I did when I busted my ball joints.

I have read on here numerous times that on the lower control arms, you cannot just replace the boot cover. I believe this only applies to the upper control arm. I bet the boot you are buying is going to be for the upper arm, not the lower.

 

[mnetwork]

What is with this recall.. they change the whole arm??

And I don't see how it's the wrong boot.. they looked it up on the computer with me.. He even asked me if it was for the curved arm or the straight arm..

 

[turbosax2]

I got this picture from caps. I guess you can replace just the boot - news to me. Anyway, the part number is the same for both arms.

And good luck with the recall - my brother tried with his car and they wouldn't do anything about it.

 

[mnetwork]

Yup.. I'm going to pick it up now.. I'll let everyone know how it goes.. Should be putting the new axle in tomorrow..

 

[Splitpi]

Yes you can get just the Boots... I have a set because I wasn't sure if my new Lower Control Arms had them on it... and it did. CAPS has a part number for it.... don't remember what exactly it is though of the top of my head. Mitsustealership should be able to get you just the boot.

If they claim otherwise, tell them they are idiots and go to another dealership. I bought mine online from MitsuPartsDirect.com

 

[wret]

What is with this recall.. they change the whole arm??

And I don't see how it's the wrong boot.. they looked it up on the computer with me.. He even asked me if it was for the curved arm or the straight arm..

The ball joint recall has been discussed exhaustively.

Every 2g is entitled to at least one ball joint /control arm repair. Shops will almost always replace the control arms. I've not heard of anyone that got a boot replacement.

Eventually the replacement arms will wear out; they seem to do so ever 4-5 years with heavy driving. Attempts at repeated recall replacement have met with varying degrees of success. It depends a lot on the shop and the tenacity of the owner. I think in general Talon owners have had better success with repeated recall repair.

 

[mnetwork]

I just bought the boot.. it was a cheap.. just had to call a bunch of places.. I don't feel like putting my car together without the boot.. bringing it to the dealer.. to get a boot.. it's a hassle.. I do recommend getting the boot from Mitsubishi because dodge and chrysler charge double what mitsubishi does. I had to go to a Dodge dealership because they were the only dealership that had it in stock. Everyone else had to order it and I needed it for Thursday because that's when my axle comes and when I'm putting everything back together...

Again.. for anyone who ever needs this, the part number is: MB808555.

 

[mnetwork]

Also.. what lube should I pack this boot with?

 

[stagen]

Thought I'd post in here instead of making a new one. Does any one know the part number for the ball joint boot on a 1G AWD?

 

[Calan]

bringing it back again... I need the p/n for a 1G also.

 

[Colt90tsi]

Mitsu p/n?

 

[Calan]

Mitsu p/n?

Sure if you've got it. I can't find it in CAPS for some reason.

Even better would be an aftermarket source

 

[AndrewD5418]

Thought I'd post in here instead of making a new one. Does any one know the part number for the ball joint boot on a 1G AWD?

ASA (Replaces shitty CAPS and works in VISTA flawlessly, and has updated part numbers) says MB176047.

If you go to the WIDSM meet in Jan i'll be having copies of it for free.

 

[HadesOmega]

FYI this is the tool you can use so it won't tear up your ball joints. It might tear em up if they are in not so good shape though. There another one that look like a large alligator clip don't know if that ones any good never tried it. I think I got mine at Kragen or Autozone, just make sure you get the right size, I think the one in the picture is a little large for us.

Its called a pitman puller

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[Calan]

ASA (Replaces shitty CAPS and works in VISTA flawlessly, and has updated part numbers) says MB176047.

Yep... Mitsu dealer was finally able to verify that P/N as well.

Where can I get this software you mentioned?

Thanks

 

[mike96]

if you aren't worried about the price and want something that looks a little nicer Prothane and Energy both make polyurethane boots. the last time i bought a pair i think they were like $15.