Started my suspension rebuild - a couple questions

[MikeyM]

Hey all,

Currently all front suspension components are off. I'm in the process of cleaning everything up so I can take all the parts to my buddies for blasting, then paint. Turns out my steering components are all good - tie rods, idler and pitman but the boots are toast. One question I had was on the idler arm - I'm not sure if it's OEM but the rubber on it was bad. What came off didn't really look like a boot but more like a thick rubber washer. Is that accurate? If attached a few photos below. Also, it looks like for all the steering components, I just need boots. Anyone have a good source for replacements?

Thanks,
Mikey

 

[Don Frelier]

I would be careful blasting any ball and socket parts with or without boots.

 

[MikeyM]

Thanks Don. I was thinking the same thing. I may not blast the TREs but if I do I was going to wrap the ball sockets in 2 plastic baggies with the ends taped tight and keep the media blast away from them as best I could. Now that I think about it, they're pretty clean now but probably Brakleen and a wire brush would be best with the ball sockets wrapped.

 

[gkent]

A twisted knot wire wheel in an angle grinder would work wonders on those parts that had boots.

There are no boots on the frame end of the idler arm - seals are used there. Not sure if they're available seperately.

 

[ckessel]

Correct size boots are not available anymore. MP/DC used to have them listed in the catalogs. Help/Dorman has some universal ones, the urethane bushing companies too.

 

[dvw]

I make the idler arm seals out of dense foam from craft stores. A piece of sharpened tube and a hammer will cut it.
Doug

 

[Kern Dog]

Correct size boots are not available anymore. MP/DC used to have them listed in the catalogs. Help/Dorman has some universal ones, the urethane bushing companies too.

The originals had a wire ring in the end that snapped around tie rod ends to keep grease in and other stuff out.
I don’t think they are reproduced. Kanter/PST will sell a kit with what’s essentially umbrella type seals that are not as good as originals but they do work. The downside is that you’ll need to grease the components at a tighter schedule to push out any grease that gets contaminated by dirt, grit or water intrusion.
Last summer I bought two boot/seal kits from PST but I think they call themselves Kanter now. PST was a site sponsor, I think they still go by that name.

 

[RR Fan Dan]

Anyone have a good source for replacements

Rock Auto. And new parts complete with boots aren’t that expensive.

 

[dvw]

I used the umbrella style boots for years. Never an issue. Let’s face it these cars aren’t going off road. Along with the fact that they are well maintained and lubed. Water can’t go where there is grease.
Doug