Replacement upper control arm balljoint covers?

[supraguy@aol]

Hey guys-

I did a little searching, and saw a few threads concerning attempts at replacing the upper ball joint, or the entire upper arm with custom arms.
However, I've found that both my rear upper arms seem to be in good working order, but one of the rubber covers is torn, and the other looks pretty
sad as well. So, I'm wondering if:

A. Can you buy just a replacement boot from Toyota, or

B. Is there an aftermarket part(like Energy Suspension) that fits properly?

If anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Enraged]

http://www.supramania.com/forums/sh...rm-.-Take-a-look!&highlight=energy+ball+joint

 

[supraguy@aol]

Thanks!
I KNEW I'd seen that thread a long time ago, just didn't find it.

 

[Enraged]

searched for ball joint boot? it was the 4th or 5th from the top. they are on my list of things to get for whenever I rebuild my suspension/bushings/subframe.

 

[supraguy@aol]

No, I searched Upper arm.

The only thing that concerns me, is the long term results of this part.
I have no doubt that the poly holds up perfectly, but these boots don't appear to have a lip on them to 'lock' onto
the corresponding lip built into the upper arm. The person in that post (Leftynridge) said he used silicone to seal it to
the arm?? I'd rather have a wire spring do the job. I'm going to call Toyota, and see what the price is for a replacement boot,
assuming it can be purchased seperately.

 

[supraguy@aol]

Update:
I just called Toyota(in fact, I'm still on the phone as I type this), and they sell them.
Part # 43324-14010, $16 each. Now that strikes me as pricey, considering you can get all 4 boots for about
the same amount from ES in poly, but at least I know these will fit perfectly, and I won't need to bond them down with silicone.
It'll take at least 5 days for my local dealer to get these in, but I'm in no hurry.

 

[destrux]

The energy boots don't work well upside down on a non-greasable joint. They are fine if you can grease the joint every oil change, which pushes the dirt that creeps in back out. Otherwise they let dirt and water creep in and it stays in there. I doubt silicone RTV would hold to glue them in place around the upper edge, they are made of very stiff polyurethane.

 

[mkiiichip]

I think toyotanos has installed new stock boots, maybe PM him? I remember something about a clip that was tricky.

 

[supraguy@aol]

Thanks, Destrux- makes me feel better about buying Toyota parts.
Hmm- The oem's seem to use a spiral spring; doesn't look too difficult to reinstall.
Also, just found that my rear toe arm boot is torn on one side- Guess I'll be buying two of those too.