how long do ball joints last with dry rotted/torn rubber boots?
#1
05-03-09, 05:00 PM
how long do ball joints last with dry rotted/torn rubber boots?
I've got a 95 nissan pickup with 230k miles on it. I've replace the tie rod ends so far because of dry rotted boots. But, almost every ball joint boot on the truck is dry rotted/torn to some extent...some are horrible while others are minimal.
I know it's never a good thing to have a damaged boot but this truck is not going to last that much longer anyways...
What kind of life can I expect out of these joints before they give out? Will I notice any odd sounds or anything shortly beforehand?
Thanks.
I know it's never a good thing to have a damaged boot but this truck is not going to last that much longer anyways...
What kind of life can I expect out of these joints before they give out? Will I notice any odd sounds or anything shortly beforehand?
Thanks.
#4
05-03-09, 05:35 PM
You are close to the end with the 230,000 miles. If you can grease them (with grease zerk) you could delay the end by flushing the dirt out with grease, but if they won't take grease they are about done.
#5
05-05-09, 10:05 AM
I sometimes get questions like that in a professional setting. No one can give a definitive time for how long they will last. Last for what?... until they shows signs of looseness or until they fall apart? Either way, nobody knows.
The only thing that can be said categorically is that if the boots are torn and the grease cavity is now exposed to the elements, that failure is imminent and will proceed sometime soon like an avalanche.
Just keep an eye on it.
The only thing that can be said categorically is that if the boots are torn and the grease cavity is now exposed to the elements, that failure is imminent and will proceed sometime soon like an avalanche.
Just keep an eye on it.
