spraying the rear axle boots - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

winmutt · #16 02-13-2007, 09:16 AM

I'll be interested to hear what the results of the liquid latex are. Thats a pretty cheap and easy fix.

19DDiesel · #17 02-13-2007, 09:47 AM

If I may, I put a bottle of "Armerall" ia a old windex spray
bottle.
I can direct the spray to reach all of the under body rubber,bushings,cv-boots
body mounts,I don't know if its oil base though.
dosn't list ingredients on bottle, but is made to protect rubber,and not just from UVs.
thanks

t walgamuth · #18 02-13-2007, 09:49 AM

i have heard armorall attacks dash boards.

i would be reluctant to spray that or anything else on the boots.

tom w

rwthomas1 · #19 02-13-2007, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorhead

Spray silicone uses a petroleum base solvent. Anything that you might use on the boots might actually attack the rubber and shorten the life. My '77 has the origionals and 30 years is pretty good service if you ask me.
On my '55 vw I used to be able to buy the good factory German split boots. They could last 15 years or so before replacement. The ones I am able to buy now, aftermarket, German made will only last 3 years before cracking and leaking. Must be different rubber compound.

If It Ain't Broke................

Thats interesting. I have done the silicone thing for a while, off and on when I remember on the FWD cars I have owned. Never had a boot fail or show signs of splitting on the cars I have done this too.... OTOH, I have 303 Protectant and this is a better product for sure, use that next time! RT

vstech · #20 02-13-2007, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19DDiesel

If I may, I put a bottle of "Armerall" ia a old windex spray
bottle.
I can direct the spray to reach all of the under body rubber,bushings,cv-boots
body mounts,I don't know if its oil base though.
dosn't list ingredients on bottle, but is made to protect rubber,and not just from UVs.
thanks

my 2000 astro van has plastic/vinyl interior, in 2005 I think, the dust buildup was getting to me, so I sprayed some armorall on rags, and cleaned the thing from top to bottom, got every bit of arm rest gunk and dust from every spec on the car... next day CRACK CITY! every spot on the armrest just split apart, no kidding, the steering wheel and dash seemed unaffected, but I will NEVER use armor all on any vinyl again!
John

ray m · #21 02-13-2007, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

not necessarily.

they will run for years with surface cracking. i wouldn't worry til it starts leaking. then i would just replace the half shaft with a good rebuilt unit. the labor will be the same as for just doing the boots.

just mho.

tom w

THANKS I copy and pasted some good references to my documents. I need only to investigate them now. RAY M

86Gray300SDL · #22 02-13-2007, 10:23 PM

Use super glue to repair the cracks before they break open. You have to hold the cracks closed until the glue holds and work your way around. Try not to get any more on the boot than necessary. Super Glue works great on rubber. I have used it to repair nail punctures in tubeless tires (small ones) and repair bicycle tube punctures. Be sure to get a brand that bonds fast.

Eric Eliel · #23 02-13-2007, 11:30 PM

I've used the Permatex Ultra Black Hi-Temp RTV Silicone Gasket Maker. Its part number 598B. Lasted about 2 to 4 years. This was before I swapped out my axles.

Before the axles begin to leak (if they have already started to leak, you are out of luck and out of time), I clean off the cracks with a soft tooth brush and some Simple Green or 409. Let it dry. Apply the RTV with your finger (preferably with a latex glove on!) around the crack. Rotate the axle via your wheel and make sure you get a nice coating all around. Let dry overnight.

Has worked well for me in the past. Sometimes the rubber will get really bad and then you have no choice but to swap axles.

bgkast · #24 02-14-2007, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86Gray300SDL

Use super glue to repair the cracks before they break open. You have to hold the cracks closed until the glue holds and work your way around. Try not to get any more on the boot than necessary. Super Glue works great on rubber. I have used it to repair nail punctures in tubeless tires (small ones) and repair bicycle tube punctures. Be sure to get a brand that bonds fast.

I don't know...super glue is very brittle.

PatricdeBoer · #25 02-14-2007, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19DDiesel

If I may, I put a bottle of "Armerall" ia a old windex spray
bottle.
I can direct the spray to reach all of the under body rubber,bushings,cv-boots
body mounts,I don't know if its oil base though.
dosn't list ingredients on bottle, but is made to protect rubber,and not just from UVs.
thanks

Armorall will make your axle boots nice and clean! But I've heard its slightly acidic. It works by eating away the oxidized layer of plastic/rubber.

bodyart27 · #26 02-14-2007, 09:27 AM

Use Meguiar's Rubber and Vinyl Protectant #40 (putty colored bottle) M4016 - it's safe