Replacement boots for tie rod ends / center link?
 

Hi, I'm posting here because the diesel guys seem to be able to keep their cars going economically. ( kind of like the Porsche 914 guys )

97 SL 320 R129 ( W 124 based ) with the regular steering box / linkage and not rack / pinion. I need tie rod end and center link boots. Mercedes used to sell these but they are out of the system.

Tie rod boot 129-330-00-85
Center link ( drag link ) 129-330-01-85

There are universal American umbrella type boots to be had but these are more for joints that have grease fittings. I'll work up some dimensions as there has to be some other car that uses the same boot size.

As a side note, to make your boots last longer, put some silicone grease between the shaft / boot and on top of the boot. This will reduce friction and allow the shaft to smoothly rotate rather than bind.

Thanks

I started looking for boots separately that would be economical.

There is a company that sells them by dimension and not application or model
of vehicle.

So when you get your dimensions, do a general search for tie rod boots.
These come in silicone and in color.

XXXX still lists them but they may be no longer available.

You'd have to either try and order them or call/ask.

This might be what you are looking for?

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-parts-reference-library/248279-0003300485-tie-rod-drag-link-boot-kit.html

this is for the w123 but might help. grease boot repair kit

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-parts-reference-library/216147-w123-front-steering-suspension-rebuild-list.html

116 586 05 33 upper control arm ball joint X2

116 586 04 33 lower control arm ball joint X2

Give Roy (Whunter) a call.

Charlie

The 000 330 04 85 boot sounds promising, I'll have my local dealer check stock. ( I'd order from Peach Parts but shipping cross country adds $. In the past I have ordered from Pelican for Porsche 914 stuff since it is less widely available.)

I've got some dimensions. EDIT: OF MY EXISTING BOOTS NOT THE PART # ABOVE

With the tie rod boot installed, measuring the steel lock ring .906" top 1.390" bottom
With the boot removed measuring the taper shaft where the boot sits .630". The joint groove where the boot seats 1.133"

The drag ( center ) link boots measure .865 top , 1.055 bottom , .633 shaft , .808" groove.

The joints are OE to the car and are marked with the O in a triangle. That makes them Lemforder ( the O is really a owl ). The lower ball joints were TRW ( Used to be a big name in the US ), the replacements I got were Moog ( big name in the US ) but were really Lemforder.

Good info, need to replace a couple of boots that are almost split open...

To be clear, the dimensions I have are of my existing boots and not the 000 330 04 85.

The dealer is ordering 000 330 04 85 , I'll give it a test fit and report back.

Who says 914 guys are cheep? ...Do you have a cheep used motor to sell me :D

I've used the tie rod kit on my 123, works well and easily. Febi tie rods went bad in...maybe 9 months. The MB snap rings are TOUGH, I just reused the ones on the existing tie rods.

Got one of the 000 330 04 85 boots with a bit of a stretch or squeeze, it will work on the tie rods and center link. The hole for the stud is small , base fits the drag link a bit loose and will need a ring to draw it tight, base fits the tie rod base just fine. All joints will be run sans the upper ring since the rubber is a bit small, the bases on both will use the original rings.

They are black rubber, marked TRW 022-0002-914-009C

Steel lock ring OD ( off the joint ) .845" top , 1.184" bottom , no ring on boot OD .612" top , 1.120" bottom. Top ID ( no ring ) .412" , bottom .993"

I've ordered 5 more to change them all.

I believe Peachparts sells the tir rod boots. Phil or Roy can pin them down. Otherwise, I know the dealers sell them too. Not terribly expensive.

But for the inexpensive cost of tie rods why not just replace the whole thing.

I think the sl tie rids for op's car are like 80$/each or so.. Boots are cheap compared to that lol.

Sent from my mwp6985 using Board Express

Call suspension.com they sell energy suspension parts & may have some. I used to deal with them on Datsun Z parts. They keep (at least used to keep) some of all ES part numbers in stock. (Check with Phil first.)