Ball Joint Tip

[Synchromesh]

When you buy something that is fitted with a ball joint it usually has a plastic protective cover. I retain a selection of different sizes of these covers. When I was replacing a front strut this week as soon as I released the bottom ball joint and track rod end I put covers on them before I removed the strut. This protected the rubber boots until it was time to refit them to the hub.

[roverbarmy]

Originally Posted by Synchromesh

When you buy something that is fitted with a ball joint it usually has a plastic protective cover. I retain a selection of different sizes of these covers. When I was replacing a front strut this week as soon as I released the bottom ball joint and track rod end I put covers on them before I removed the strut. This protected the rubber boots until it was time to refit them to the hub.

I coat the rubbers with a thin layer of rubber grease whenever I can get to them to stop them from drying out and cracking. I do the same with all exposed rubber under the car. I usually have a small, greased paint brush kept in a polybag, ready to go, alongside the tin of rubber grease (the stuff for brake cylinder rubbers and caliper seals).