2001 BALL JOINTS

[SNAIL1]

We're buying a 2001 on a Spartan chassis. The boots on the ball joints are shot. During the prebuy inspection the shop found the boots gone on the ball joints. There recommended we replace the boots at a fraction of the cost of new ball joints.

Has anyone tried this solution. I know it is risky and contaminants are likely already in the lube in the joint. Done properly, i can make a case in my mind that it might be a viable repair. Your ideas, please.

[SNAIL1]

We're buying a 2001 on a Spartan chassis. The boots on the ball joints are shot. During the prebuy inspection the shop found the boots gone on the ball joints. There recommended we replace the boots at a fraction of the cost of new ball joints.

Has anyone tried this solution. I know it is risky and contaminants are likely already in the lube in the joint. Done properly, i can make a case in my mind that it might be a viable repair. Your ideas, please.

[RV Wizard]

What front end is on your 2001? Let me know if you find just the boots. My 99' has the Granning IFS and the boots are not replaceable alone.
If you were to lift the weight off the ball joints and remove hte boot, clean with a solvent like a brake cleaner, rinse with a denatured alcohol, and installed the new boots you will probably be good to go for another set of boots. Good luck and keep us posted.

[SNAIL1]

Not sure i can answer your question but will try. The mh is a Dutch Star by Newmar. The chassis is Spartan and as i understand the ball joints were manufactured by Tuthill.

I will keep you posted. A local very reputable shop has told me they can do the job and can get the boots. I'm trying to contact Spartan now to see if i can buy just the boots.

If not the shop thinks they can measure the ball joints to determine boot size and then buy them on after market.

[RV Wizard]

Please let me know if you find just the boots. I want to do mine as well.

[SNAIL1]

Just had the unit in the shop to see if they could replace the boots. They had told me they could but needed the coach to measure for the boots. They were not able to find just the boots so we are back to square one.

I haven't given up yet. The joints are still good. I want to try some things myself. May not work but I think it's worth a try.

snail1

[RV Wizard]

snail1, I wonder if there might be an after market company that makes boots for ball joints that normally are only built together? I wonder if another boot; even if it is slightly larger can be cut down and then a seam glued down the middle. The boot could then be clamped onto the top and bottom bases. Have you been doing any kind of searches in this area?

[SNAIL1]

I've not found anything yet. I think i'll look at boots for cv joints or some rack and pinion stearing boots to see if i can find something to fit or close. I can then maybe cut it to size and clamp as mentioned earlier.

It will be at least a week before i can get the sizes.

snail1

[quikduk]

I would check your off-road shops and see what they have. They commonly carry polyurethane boots for CV joints, coil-over shocks etc or can order them and they are virtually indestructable.

Also, there is this (I think) Loctite #411 adhesive that is designed to bond windshield gaskets etc together. Once glued, this stuff never comes apart...ever. I saw this stuff the first time our GS windshield was replaced. It works like they claim so if you have to cut and glue a urethane boot, this stuff should do the trick. If not, you can always use CV joint clamps (like VW bug stuff).

I would also check your better big truck parts suppliers. They usually have links for parts like boots etc without having to buy the entire joint and there is always the option of Jegs or Summit Racing Products. They might have some shifter boots that could be adapted.

Good luck.