Moog lower ball joint question. Need Help

[novice]

I have new Moog ball joints. I pressed the lower one in my factor control arm with no issue. My question is about the rubber grease seal. The directions are not very clear for me. I was wondering if the rubber seal slid over the larger portion of the ball joint shaft or if it just butts up to the shoulder. It seems to small to slide over the shoulder. I'm wondering if it just butts up to the shoulder and the installation of the spindle keeps pressure against it so grease doesn't just come out. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[freak]

Originally Posted by novice

I have new Moog ball joints. I pressed the lower one in my factor control arm with no issue. My question is about the rubber grease seal. The directions are not very clear for me. I was wondering if the rubber seal slid over the larger portion of the ball joint shaft or if it just butts up to the shoulder. It seems to small to slide over the shoulder. I'm wondering if it just butts up to the shoulder and the installation of the spindle keeps pressure against it so grease doesn't just come out. Any help is greatly appreciated.

You'll never find a ball joint boot that fits like the oem ones. Most times they just end up floating on top with pressure from the spindle like you say.

[novice]

Originally Posted by freak

You'll never find a ball joint boot that fits like the oem ones. Most times they just end up floating on top with pressure from the spindle like you say.

Okay. So that is "normal" so to speak? They function okay like that? My fingers hurt from mashing on these stinking things and my throat is tired of cussing. I mash them down, get one side on, and press on the other side and it pops off.

[freak]

Originally Posted by novice

Okay. So that is "normal" so to speak? They function okay like that? My fingers hurt from mashing on these stinking things and my throat is tired of cussing. I mash them down, get one side on, and press on the other side and it pops off.

Not good but normal I guess.

[novice]

Thanks freak. I appreciate your input. I've been stumped for an hour.

[Boog]

That boot has to slip over the outer ball joint to seal dirt and water out. It is a real snug fit but it will slip over.

[novice]

Originally Posted by Boog

That boot has to slip over the outer ball joint to seal dirt and water out. It is a real snug fit but it will slip over.

Thanks Boog. I guess the cussing will commence until I get these things installed correctly..

[novice]

Just as a follow up, I called Moog today and the rubber seal is suppose to push down over the shoulder as mentioned above. I feel like a lot of bad words is coming from me in the near future.

[freak]

We all know it is supposed to. Getting it there is a whole other story.

[95 S_Trucker]

It usually takes me a few minutes and 2 pairs of channel locks to seat the boot. You'll get it on there.

[novice]

Originally Posted by freak

We all know it is supposed to. Getting it there is a whole other story.

I'm a little slow. I wasn't sure if it was just a friction type seal or if it actually slid over the shoulder itself.

I'm going to have to try the double channel lock idea.

[randy500]

They way to do it is find a piece of pipe with an ID that matches the reinforced boot and drive it over with a mallet.