Rubber Boots- 2.5 KV6 Auto

[IGH]

Hi
Had an advisory from the garage regarding a rubber boot split on my rear drop links.
No wear, just the split boot.
I see DMGRS carry the boots.
So, I assume its change the boot and repack with grease (if required).
My question is what holds the boot in place?
In the old days it was locking wire, coiled spring clips etc.
As ever, advice appreciated so I can get all the bits needed before the job commences.
Regards

[Popcorn]

Different manufacturers use different methods, wire clips square section rubber rings o rings, if what ever yours has reuse,but if it brakes you could use house hold (single strand )copper wire and wrap it around then twist the ends together and snip off the excess

[Arctic]

Hi Ian.
if the rear drop links are the original ones, then they are bonded and use no ring clips etc, you may be able to get them off clean and replace? if so, you can always use thin cable ties to hold the new boots in place or a above coil wire.

Original rear drop links.
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[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Arctic

... if the rear drop links are the original ones, then they are bonded and use no ring clips etc ...

Hi Ian,

What Arctic has said is correct. My front "drop links" were the factory-fitted originals and the larger diameter end of the boot was solid and not flexible in any way. It felt as if a steel band had been included in the moulding process. On the link there was no groove into which wire or a ring could be fitted. I therefore had to replace the entire link as I could not successfully fit a new boot which would remain sealed.

Simon

[Arctic]

Hi Simon.
I had to do the same on my first tourer, the original had started perishing otherwise the drop link itself was working well.

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The rear spare drop links i have now in the shed are firstline which have a rubber ring and a metal spring holding the boot on.
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The front drop links i have just bought are QH which look to be good time will tell once they have been fitted.
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Also, some spare boots i have
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[IGH]

Thanks for the heads up.
Couldn't see any clips etc at all on the boots.
I'll go for new and make sure I keep the old ones.
Might be able to fit boots for next time.
Cheers

[Torqueofthedevil]

Thanks all, this is very useful for me as well. My car has just failed for the boots on the front suspension being split - one of my jobs for the weekend is to replace them, and it looks like it may not be as straightforward as I had hoped!