Lower ball joint dust boot help

[Malamute]

I pressed the lower ball joints in today with no problem but I cannot get the dust boot seated all the way for the life of me. I tried using one of the rings from the press and that wouldn't work either. I really don't want to tear one and wondered if a little grease on them would help.

The uppers are no problem since they are two piece. I searched but couldn't find anything for this specific problem. Any help would be appreciated.

[hugger6933]

Put it on and not worry about it. It can't go anywhere once the spindle is back on. Just don't over pump it up with grease when you grease your chassis. Jim

[Malamute]

Even if it's not close to the CA? That was my worry that grease wouldn't stay in, but I'm guessing with the spindle holding it down it will be OK?

[KyleSeal]

Make sure you have the correct boot for the bottom and the top, I had it backwards when I did mine but was able to fix in time.

[michael bustamante]

is the boot not sliding all the way down the ball joint threaded shaft? the boot may be too small

[Nochance]

i usually take two pairs of channel lock pliers and hold the boot down on one side and work my way around with the other pair. One other thing is there should be a small channel cut out on the bottom of the boot that needs to be pointed towards the coil spring. Its for when you do over grease the joint the excess doesn't get squirted on the brakes.

good luck

[Malamute]

Thanks guys. They were in the box with the ball joints so I assume they are the right ones. And yes, I have the notch to the inside. I haven't tried them again, once I'm done with a few other things I'll go back and try them again.

[enaberif]

Toss them in a bit of hot water to help loosen them up and try again.

[Malamute]

Originally Posted by enaberif

Toss them in a bit of hot water to help loosen them up and try again.

Thanks. I almost thought about throwing them in some warm, soapy water but I didn't know if the residue would cause problems down the road. I think they would go with a surfactant on them.