Blew a flat, and the loose tire tore/melted what I think is the CV joint rubber boot

[B-lackGSX99]

I blew my front passenger tire hard while on the highway, and the loose/shredded tire appears to have torn/melted a rubber piece in the wheel well...attached are some pictures to take a look at. Can anyone tell me what this rubber piece is for?? I assume it just contains some grease, and will be alright so long as I get it replaced sometime over the next couple weeks. However, I just want to make sure it's not something that I should do immediately before driving the vehicle anymore. The vehicle is driving perfectly right now...no clicking, or anything like that. Thanks in advance for your help.

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[Mr Peepers]

That is the upper ball joint. It looks like its torn, allowing grease out and dirt in.

You will want to replace the boot ASAP before dirt makes its way to the ball joint itself. Boots are cheap and easy to replace, ball joints are not(not to mention dangerous if they fail).

EDIT: Be sure to wipe of the dirty grease before putting the new boot on, and grease it back up with the new boot. Make sure its CLEAN.

If you replace the entire ball joint you will likely need an alignment. Mine was horribly off after I replaced a ball joint on my 1g and would screech each time I went over painted lines in the road. Catch it now and save yourself some hassle later.

 

[iceman3545]

That rubber boot that's melted would be for the upper ball joint. I would get that replaced, seeing as that could affect the alignment and handling of the vehicle.

 

[B-lackGSX99]

Thank you all for your replies. I went to the dealership today to see how much a new boot would cost, and they are telling me that they cannot just order the boot in. Instead, they are telling me that they can only order the whole control arm peice and will need about 1.5 hours to install it.

Do you guys think it would be possible to find just the boot?? The guys at the dealership are telling me that you can't just install the boot...can anyone confirm or deny this?? If I can just pick up the boot, where would you recommend I grab it from?? I'd much rather do this, and just have it installed by an independant shop.

Regards.