I replaced just about every suspension joint on my XJ8 about two years ago and the rubber boots on most of them have all but shredded since then. I had a similar problem on an E type and found a source for heavy duty nylon/silicon replacements. I also own a Mercedes 560Sl which has a similar problem. They must be making them out of cheese these days. Anybody know if there are better quality replacements available. I dont want to change out the joints as they all seem fine. Just the covers are done for.

 

Really?....wow, all mine are fine, ....I literally had looked under the car at them last weekend for greasing. I installed all mine, ohhhhh roughly 12 yrs ago. I guess they are "cheesy" .. nowadays then.

I know how you West coasters can be brutal on parts...lol...maybe its the mermaids?

Are they possibly drying out and breaking apart or are they possibly hitting/rubbing on something?

 

Aftermarket parts?

 

I used Lemfoerder upper A arms which I believe are high quality parts. I will contact them to look for replacement boots....

 

Many Lemfoerder parts are made in China these days. There are also counterfeits coming from there so, in the case of vital parts, avoid buying them on Ebay.

 

My Dad bought a Jaguar that sat in the sun for extended periods. This dried out the dash and seats but also did a number on the rubber door seals, sunroof seal and oddly enough bushings and seals under the car. The car is remarkably rust free. The ball joint boots were in tatters and the grease starvation ruined the ball joints, they were replaced completely.

Behind road salt the #2 environmental enemy of cars is the sun.

 

We aren't exactly having to worry about road salt in FL, just the beach salt for those who drive on them. My West Coast tease to him was because he's in Weeki Wachee, FL, ...that town is famous for it mermaid shows. Its actually really neat and amazing how the girls can hold their breath that long and perform. They have air behind the scenes, but its still a feat. I'd be the permanent anchor on display, I can't hold my breath long enough to save my life...lol.

Definitely can concur about the sun bake though, especially on those joints being exposed to the blowing air. Oil and any byproducts are extremely susceptible to air and sun damage without constant attention of lubrication of some sort. I am no fan of WD40 (its not a lubricant), but it works great to breath life into door, trunk and hood seals.

 

Interesting, I was unaware those type of shows even existed. Learn something everyday.

 

Well, it used to exist as a town anyways...

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/we...re/ar-BB15mhpN

These folks really did the best review....

 

Seems to be a growing problem -- even previously quality aftermarket parts having questionable rubber. URO was always subpar ....

Have never seen any replacement boots ... The original tie rod end boots in my 02 have been cracked for years. It sees light service and they are fine. Miles and wet weather that introduces dirt is the killer