What size boot for front Upper Suspension arm ball joint?

[Markharrison2]

As subject, what size boot or dust cover do I need to order for the Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint? Is it off another vehicle? I have a 2006 SV, it's not wide track if that makes a difference. Thanks

[Wrightpayne]

Have you checked out the caterham parts website? They have a metal collar. About £4.50ish IIRC. Redline will stock them too.

[Wrightpayne]

Here....

https://caterhamparts.co.uk/wishbones/1924-gaitor-top-wishbone-rod-end-qr1798.html
 

The QR code might be a manufacturers part number (Quinten Hazell maybe?) so you may be able to use to source alternatives.

[Markharrison2]

Thanks, didn't manage to find that previously, should do it

[Wrightpayne]

I fitted new ones this year - first one with two pairs of waterpump pliers and it was a challenge!

Other side I took it off and used a bit of ply with a hole in it big enough to rest the metal collar on and not pinch the rubber (cut with a hole saw). Then in the bush press and it went in easy. A vice would work too - protect the paint on the back of the joint with something.

also measure the ball joint before removing so it goes back in the right place - either with verniers or number of threads to unscrew.

[Markharrison2]

Thanks for the advice. Always good to get a few tips

[colindavies56]

put a big socket over the lip and use a vice to press it on. 

[Markharrison2]

So if anyone attempting this, and doesn't have much experience, like me, I found the only way I could stop the ball joint from spinning, when tightening back up, was to jack up the lower suspension arm. Whilst the front of the car on axle stands . Had me puzzled for a while. Cheers

[Wrightpayne]

Or use a non nyloc nut to seat the taper then refit the nyloc.

Also having a sturdy friend stand on the wishbone works! :-)

[Markharrison2]

Tried the non nyloc nut and the joint was still spinning frustratingly, possibly as my joint got a slight bit of corrosion on the thread. Need to make more friends :-)

[paul richards]

If you try to tap the boot on with a hammer you'll damage it. I use a short piece of scaffold tube to push the rubber boot on using a vice. 
Some ball joints have an opening for an Allen key to prevent it turning. As said standing on the joint helps when tightening or you can even use a small ratchet strap to tension between upper and lower wishbones.

Redline for supply of boots. If you have narrow track suggest getting some spares as they split more frequently than with wide track.