Front shock absorber boots.

[supercass]

Has anyone found a suitable alternative heavy duty or OEM boot for this application? My original nearside one has finally split after 33 years!! I have heard so many stories about the direct replacement variants splitting after a couple of years light use I am reluctant to purchase. Regards, supercass

[Workshop Help]

Yes, please view my article in The Workshop Manual.

Mildred Hargis

[busheytrader]

I have the same problem with the lower ball joint boots on the track control arms. The originals lasted for years. I've had some replacements split Inside a year.

I've had advice to coat them with red rubber grease which I've tried. Hopefully they'll last longer. You'd need a lot for the front shock absorber boots!

Adam



TR7 V8 DHC Jaguar Solent Blue. 9.35cr Range Rover V8, Holley 390cfm, JWR Dual Port, 214 Cam, Lumention, Tubular Manifolds, S/S Single Pipe Exh, 3.08 Rear, 200lb Spax & PolyBushes all round, Anti- Dive, Strut-Top Roller Bearings, Capri Vented Discs & Calipers, Braided Hoses, 4 Speed Rear Cylinders, Uprated Master Cylinder & Servo, AT 14" 5 Spokes or Maestro Turbo 15" Alloys, Cruise Lights, S/S Heater Pipes, Replacement Fuel Tank. No Door Stickers. Mine since July 1986, V8 from 1991 courtesy of S&S V8 conversion kit (built not bought) and big brake kit.

[supercass]

Wintergreen oil is supposed to be good, but I'm not sure how much it will help. The problem is as I understand the amount of filler that is used in the imported rubber product to keep the cost down. No amount of rubber grease, wintergreen or any other remedy is going to change that! As rubber boots go they are not markedly cheap so I resent paying the price for an inferior product that from the evidence I have seen is not fit for purpose. Thanks for your reply Mildred, I need to have a closer look at how your application fits. Replacement bump stops are available in polyurethane it is a shame the boots aren't. supercass

[toneinblack]

Replaced one of mine a week or so ago and got the other side to do,
Bought them from rimmers, is there an easy way to get them to slide over where they are supposed to go ( top and bottom ) before fitting the plastic tie ?

[FI Spyder]

I've used VB's rubber boots, they're going on 8 years now. While I use red rubber grease on O rings/seals for that initial lubrication (kind of like assembley lube for an engine overhaul) for things like boots I soak/lather on Maguiar's Vinyl & Rubber Restorer let them sit for 24 hours or so and then wipe them dry..


I pull mine over with a spring hook (I've got several of different sizes with my original IBM tool kit but you should be able to find them at many tool places.





- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[toneinblack]

we used a large flat screwdriver to slide between the rubber and the metal and then levered it and tugged it . thought there may have been an easier way cheers for the tip with the hook tho.

[Hasbeen]

About 5/6 years ago I had to fit new bump stops. I discovered one of my gaiters was split almost from top to bottom, & the other a large similar tear. Strangely the rest of them was quite sound, & not weak, or falling apart.

New gaiters were not available anywhere in Oz, so after ordering new ones, & temporally repaired mine. I cleaned them with degreaser followed by ether, which I just happened to have. Then glued them together with a Bostik urethane sealant similar to Sikaflex, with a half inch overlap, stapled to hold while curing. The staples were removed after curing.

After 2 days curing I refitted them, hoping they would hold until new ones arrived. They are still there, & still together. We used the new ones on the 8 when it needed bump stops, & it's gaiters were a bit past it.

I have since found there is a unit from another car, I think Holden, which fits, & has the bump stop moulded in as part of the thing. I will use them when mine finally expire.

Hasbeen

[Workshop Help]

Gentle and Heroic Souls here about. The Gabriel Part #143061 Suspension Strut Bumper is nearly identical to Part #141551 and fits the 1996-2001 FORD Escort. Either will fit our Triumph front struts just fine.

Thought you boys might like to know.

Mildred Hargis

[Hasbeen]

Thanks Mildred

Hasbneen