I noticed the upper control arm ball joint boots both cracked (l+r). It ia a 2011 XK and I was surprised to see this opening in both rubber boots. Any info on how to repair it, and how critical to fix the issue.

 

Odd, as far as I can see, those boots aren't a separate part. They're labelled as just part of the ball joint. That would imply that you could only replace them by replacing the entire ball joint. If that's the case, you're effectively replacing something in order to protect it so it doesn't need replacing. May as well just pack the boots with grease and keep an eye on the joints; when they develop play, replace them.

Of course, it's possible that you can't replace the ball joint and you'll need an entire new arm.

 

I had my ball joints replaced, I ordered from Coventry West in Atlanta, saved me a fortune. The dealer wanted to sell me the entire assembly for 1500.00.

 

I could not find 2011 xk ball joints at Covenrty. Is the XK the car you were talking about?