Hi all,

i was under the truck to fix my o2 sensor issues and happened to observe this rubber boot at the front driver side wheel. The boot is cracked.

i have no idea what this is, is it ok to drive with it like this and how do I fix it. Thank you all in advance

 

That's the protective boot for the lower ball joint. If you look above the steering knuckle you'll see one for the upper ball joint too.

It's very common for the boots to fail as pictured. The chief mechanic at a highly-regarded local Rovers-only shop told me years ago that he has seen trucks go for years with the boots cracked and torn before the ball joints needed to be replaced.

To check the ball joints, jack up the wheel just far enough to allow you to put a pry bar under the tire. Using the pry bar, try to lift the tire and wheel. If there is no vertical play (no wiggle), the ball joints are okay. If there is more than the slightest amount of play it may be time to replace the ball joints.

Just go to YouTube and search "inspect ball joints". You'll find several videos showing how to check the ball joints.

 

I just had my lower ball joints replaced. The shop fitted one with the rubber boot twisted, which has since failed.

I'd already been through hell and back with leaking axle seals, which are now leaking again, so it was beyond my level of patience to argue about that as well.

I'm hoping mln is correct, joints will last for years without a proper boot.

 

I agree with min, ball joints can last years with torn boots. I don’t think there’s any point replacing them until they are worn.

 

Thank you folks for the replies. I checked out a few youtube vids. Seems not too hard to check the ball joint health. Will keep an eye.

 

Yep. Agree with answers above.

If you're not getting vibration or loose steering, I'd recommend to leave em alone and replace when they actually go bad. Which if you drive offroad etc may be accelerated without the boots.

Otherwise, if you do decide to replace them, have them proactively change the axle seals at a minimum in addition. Because they *will* leak in short order, I think from all the banging required to get those ball joints off. They usually require a good bit of beating / hammering / force to get out of the knuckle, and I think this kills the axle seals.

 

I you are worried you can buy just a replacement boot, but to install it you need to take off the hub,