Community Forums

AMERICANMAN · 11-30-2019, 03:10 PM

I have a 2001 American Dream on a Spartan MM-2242 chassis. I don't feel anything unusual or hear popping however, my ball joint rubber is gone. Do I just keep it greased or bite the bullet and replace the ball joints?

Dav L · 11-30-2019, 03:17 PM

Add grease fittings if none exist and keep them greased at a minimum.
There are some aftermarket split boots that can be put over the non boots without the joint coming apart.
Some have used some flexible electrical tape as a temporary boot.
Ideally replace the boot before the joint goes bad.

AMERICANMAN · 11-30-2019, 03:57 PM

I have heard about the new one piece boots but not the split halves. Where can I get them? I work for CW but we don't get into chassis work especially AD's.

FormerBoater · 11-30-2019, 04:18 PM

I spray mine with Boeshield T-9 (developed by Boeing for lubrication and corrosion protection for aviation). It wicks really well into the joints and has kept mine lubricated and clean for over 10 years and 60K miles of ownership.

I have used this approach because the ball-joints are in great shape and the Boeshield flushes out the dirt in addition to providing lubrication.

This can only work for you if you have the joints checked and they are still OK.

At a minimum get the Boeshield and lubricate. You can find the product online and at any Marine store.

Good Luck!

vetteandharl · 12-01-2019, 09:13 AM

I'd also be interested in the source for the split boots. Thanks

Dav L · 12-01-2019, 09:08 PM

This is a duplicate thread.

Here is where the split boots are discussed
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f25/spart...us-315591.html

Ray,IN · 12-04-2019, 08:00 PM

Replacing the destroyed boots is not a fix, it still leaves the ball N socket joint without lubrication. Discussed in the long thread about ball joints is where a member drilled N tapped the back side of the joints and screwed in a zerk fitting, which is a fix. Both things together compliment each other.

vetteandharl · 12-05-2019, 06:55 AM

I have installed the grease zerks but still haven't found the 2 piece covers referenced earlier. Maybe have to fashion some out of old inner tubes or something similar?

rag_ftw · 12-05-2019, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav L

This is a duplicate thread.

Here is where the split boots are discussed
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f25/spart...us-315591.html

How about a reference number to the post that identifies the boots? Not having any luck finding anything that will work in the thread.

Dav L · 12-05-2019, 09:20 PM

Post 74 in the thread linked.
Also discussed in the duplicate thread.

rag_ftw · 12-06-2019, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dav L

Post 74 in the thread linked.
Also discussed in the duplicate thread.

Post #83 says the Bluebird boots are to big and will not work.

Dav L · 12-06-2019, 10:42 PM

yes, don't know the specifics of yours. For mine, I thought it might be worth measuring if the Bluebird upper (smaller of the two) would fit the Spartan lower. I haven't looked at it yet though.

It is also worthwhile to see if similar design does exist for the balljoints on yours. So no the direct answer isn't in that thread but the concept is.