removing inner ball joint xantia

[Citroenmad]

I have the track rod end off but can't figure out how to remove the rubber boot which covers the inner ball joint. It seems quite solid and does not prise off.

Any ideas?

[Citroenmad]

Just found a split in the boot, so ill need to get a new one. I'll put it back together for the time doing.

[addo]

If it's the original thermoplastic offside boot, just a little warmth (hairdrier) and it will ease off, rather like a strut gaiter.

Rubber ones may have been strapped or cable-tied on.

The conical rubber boot on the ram end, is driven on more substantially, and getting it off seems to destroy it.

[Citroenmad]

Its the boot on the inner ball joint, it goes into the steering ram. Its not shifting as it is but there is a split in it which must have caused the wear to the joint. It looks original to me and is not tied on.

Ill order a new rubber cover on Tuesday and have another bash at it then.

This is the boot in question:

So, how do I go about getting it off?

It looks to me like it might go through to the other side of the bracket, where there are toothed like rubber cerations.

[rory_perrett]

Yes it does just lever off, I used a stubby flat blade screw driver and tapped the screwdriver with a hammer to drive it between the cover and the rack so you can get some leverage.

I think the part number is 4066-21 from Citroen, cost about £7 inc VAT

[Citroenmad]

Yes it does just lever off, I used a stubby flat blade screw driver and tapped the screwdriver with a hammer to drive it between the cover and the rack so you can get some leverage.

I think the part number is 4066-21 from Citroën, cost about £7 inc VAT

That is excellent, thanks for that

[CitroJim]

Here you are Chris, some piccys:

car removed fir clarity

Levering off:



What's underneath:

[Citroenmad]

Thanks for that Jim

I did try levering the boot off but I can't have been using enough force as it didn't want to move and I was not wanting to damage it. Although then I saw the big split in it There is a good deal of play in the ball joint as a result.

I need to get a new boot and then ill give it another go. Hopefully they are still available.

[addo]

Firstline etc all make that rubber boot for the nearside. Cheap as chips.

[Citroenmad]

Good stuff, shall order one on Tuesday

[CitroJim]

I did try levering the boot off but I can't have been using enough force as it didn't want to move and I was not wanting to damage it.

They are pretty tight Chris but you can get them off undamaged if you carefully but deliberately lever all around the circumference in small steps.

[addo]

I am always in shock at UK subframe condition for Xantias.

[CitroJim]

I am always in shock at UK subframe condition for Xantias.

And that one's a good 'un Adam. Some look like they've been salvaged from the Titanic...

We have something you don't have - salt

[Citroenmad]

I am always in shock at UK subframe condition for Xantias.

Yep, I consider that a good one, you should see some other UK cars

Mine is only very slightly corroeded in some subframe areas, in fact its in good condition with just very light surface rust where it is corroded.

I hate salt

[KennyW]

Chris,

I have both offside and nearside track rods in the garage if you require them from my 1.9TD 1998.

Kenny