s10 Blazer Upper Ball Joints

[raychevy]

Hi all

The owner of my 92 4x4 blazer before me had both upper balljoints installed. They are not but 6 months old. The idiot who installed them overfilled the rubber grease caps on them and they busted. I have been told that I must replace both upper ball joints, and "should" align it also. When I lift the front off, both wheels are tight, and there is not play in the wheels. If I can fix without replacing the ball joints I want too soon before they go bad.

Can I just replace the rubber grease holders? Is this hard, or how long should it take? Should I align? Whats the part called?

Thanks

[greatdaen]

The rubber boots are to keep dirt out, not keep the grease in. Grease in the boots will not magically migrate up into the ball cup.

If your ball joints are in proper working order, there is no need to replace them. However, with torn dust boots, the life will be reduced since abrasive grit will make its way into the ball cup much easier than with intact boots. You can leave as is and deal with the mess. Or you can replace the boots.

I don't know of a particular source for new boots. But you might look through your local junkyard for a used set with a little life left in them.

To install, you ar going to have to separate the ball joint and knuckle assembly - just like you were installing new ones. No other way to get the boots on that I know of.

Hope this helps.

-dch

[Izzy]

http://www.energysuspension.com carries just boots.
I picked up 2 pairs of them for my 98 from a local autozone for $1.99 per pair.

[raychevy]

Thanks. Since its my hunting truck I need to get it done before I drive through any more bogs with it.