I need to replace some of the upper wishbone ball joint boots and tie rod boots in my low km car (25.000 km). There is a link on the forum which refers to polyurethaan boots from www.polyboots.com in Bulgaria but they don't sell anymore to private buyers but only to retailers and only in large quantities. Where can I get rubber or polyurethaan boots in the correct sizes? In the same link the following sizes has been mentioned: Upper wishbone ball joints: 13-30-22, Rear tie rods: 15-30-23, Rear drop links: 13-25-22. Can I use other sizes if they are easier to get? I live in The Netherlands. Thanks.

 

I got 4 boots from Bulgaria that were a perfect fit but paid a premium for shipping. A crazy amount. They did fit perfectly. Most kits require you to buy numerous boots to get the ones that you need. Good luck. FYI. Silicone is the way to go. The rubber boots can tear prematurely after you do the work to install them.

 

Bought these on Amazon:

RACOONA 14PCS Ball Joint Boot,Car Accessories Ball Joint Dust Boot,Universal Silicone Dust Boots Cover for Tie Rod,Ball Joint Rubber Dust Boot Covers,Rubber Joint Kit,Suitable for Most Vehicles

 

A while back, I spent an hour or two scrolling through these bulk rando boot postings on Amazon.
With the mm specs of the boots I needed written next to me.
I found a few that had one or two that were close, but off by a mm or two.

Mind sharing which boots you were able to replace with this set?

 

Can you give me the sizes of the Raoona boots you ordered for the upper wishbone ball joints, the rear tie rods, and the rear drop links? and do they fit well? Thanks.

 

I can't help with that... but I do like your "1956 XK 140 SE DHC".

 

I imported this XK 140 DHC SE in 1996 from the USA and is still in a concours condition. Much less (electronic) issues with this car than with its grandson XK 5.0 from 2011!!

 

I was mainly concerned with the upper ball joint boots; I think there was 1 22mm and 1 23mm; they both fit fine. I don't remember if I did the sway bar links, rear links were replaced.

 

It's important to remember if the boots are not the precise fit, it won't work and will not fit correctly. I'd try again with the guy in Bulgaria and see if he'll send it to you and you'll pay the shipping. The shipping will be crazy expensive because of the tariffs, but believe me these boots are a perfect fit and perfect for the upper ball joints front and back. I replaced my trailing arms in the rear with new arms I purchased on Rock Auto.... That was easier. I do need bushings in my lower front control arms, but they are still solid and not shifting around although the fluid leaked out. I was told I could drive for quite some time before the rubber breaks away from the metal on the lower arms......Besides, when it happens I'll replace all my suspension parts, if I decide to keep the car that long.

 

Thanks Bocatrip. I did my research on the forum and became convinced about the polyurethaan boots and the importance of the correct sizes. I asked Polyboots if they would make an exception for me as a private buyer but they answered me yesterday that they need a VAT number (see attachment). So I have asked my workshop if they would buy the boots for me. I am willing to pay the extra money.

 

The business brain in me is saying someone should bulk buy and resell these retail in NA.
But margins would be small, as would be volume.

 

Most likely only the forum members are aware of the importance of these boots which perished decades ago when these cars were still under warranty. Most owners don't have a clue there gone until they hear the clunking and/or creaking from the undercarriage. At that point, boots don't help and replacement parts are necessary which is probably the case for most owners these days.