Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:42:35 +0000
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Ball joint boot question
In-Reply-To: <CEFB9A30-5E49-4AEB-8D08-EB0C34C5E00E@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Depending on the work to be done it is likely that the lower ball joint may need to be separated anyway. You may be doing extra work adding little or no value.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2023 10:16 AM
To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
Cc: Vanagon List <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: Ball joint boot question
Hi Dennis,
Great added info. I try to collect the proper parts, info, and tools before doing the job, especially when I have limited support time from friends.
Is the boot the same on the vanagon as on the late bus?
Art just did this job successfully on his 78 bay and is willing to do with me in the future.
Front end suspension work is in the future of the 84 as the bushings are failing.
But, you are correct. The vanagon hides it well. It drives and handles very nicely at the moment. Still I plan to address the failing parts this late fall.
I try to do as much as I can and then leave the rest to a pro. So, considering doing the ball joint boots and then leaving the rest of the suspension to the mechanic. But, the more I can do the better the price and the time commitment.
One boot is failed and open to dirt. The other is just starting to fail and not yet open to dirt and such.
I'm not sure how to test the joint but will try to figure it out. When assessed the boot was noticed but the joint was assessed at the time as solid and certainly usable.
PS boots on the 85 you installed are beautiful and a good example to me of what they should be like.
eRic
> On Jul 23, 2023, at 10:08 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> Eric,
> A lot of thought and effort is going into this boot. Is the boot completely destroyed or is it just hole or small rip? Has the joint been inspected and confirmed that it is not worn or damaged? The van has to be jacked up and then with a really large set of groove lock pliers squeeze the spindle and lower mount. If there is any noticeable play the joint is on its way out and needs to be replaced.
>
> As for changing just the boot, the ball joint has to separated from the lower control arm mount. Unless you have access to a separator that fits and some added skill this can be a destructive process. Taking a hammer to the ball joint stud can damage the threads and if the lower control is supported off of the shock absorber that too can be damaged from the hammer impacts. The nut is really a one time use so have a replacement available. You will need an open end wrench for that nut and to hold the ball joint stud when re-installing.
>
> To manage the assembly, the caliper should be removed, the upper ball joint disconnected, and the tie rod separated. If you find that the joint needs to be replaced the rotor with bearings and the backing plate will need to be removed and the spindle assembly needs to then go to shop with a press and preferred the special tool to deal with that spindle.
>
> Don't be too surprised if you find that other work needs to be done. The Vanagon suspension is a bit amazing at how well it can hide multiple deficiencies until you start taking things apart.
>
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2023 2:57 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Ball joint boot question
>
> Hey,
>
> Does the Bay window boot fit the Vanagon lower ball joint?
>
> I'm looking for a boot that has the best chance of lasting.
>
> My ball joints on the 84 need boots but not joints. I have a friend willing to help me put on the new boots.
>
> I've asked a few folks what source they trust and they didn't have one.
>
> I'm looking at the WolfsburgWest site for air cooled parts.
>
> They have the lower boot for bay window. It is priced a bit higher than some other sources. Anyone know if this is a better option?
>
> It is a lot of work just to have the boot fail.
>
> And, even if I changed out the ball joint for a new one the boot on the new one would just as likely be the failure point.
>
> If it works, here is the link I'm looking at.
>
> Eric Caron
>
> https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/SearchResults.cfm
