manuva

Took my car in to get the front axles replaced. The mechanic found that the this part was leaking grease.

Please help! What is this part? I can't find it listed on any web site. Is it listed under a different name?

Mighty grateful for any replies!
Manu

Carped1em

this is the boot that protect the ball joint, and it's easy to destroy it when replacing the front axles (by smashing it into the brake shields), so the repairman MIGHT have destroyed the boot during the job, and want to bill you for the repair.

When the boot is destroyed the ball joint will die very fast.

I dont think there are any other pro replacement than a new lower control arm. A way could be to take a cheap used or new balljoint or something similar, with a similar boot, take off the boot, and put it onto your control arm (if the goal was to have an old worn beater going a little longer), but I guess the best thing is a new control arm, as they would have done at the dealer, even this sounds like a waste of money, I sure it's worth it in the long run.

manuva

Would it be advisable to buy a used one from a salvage yard and throw it in?
Thanks
Manu

Carped1em

As long the control arm is in good shape, the sad this is that there is no seperate ball joint on these cars, it's all built into the control arm. you can take a good look at the inner and outer bushings, it's often a good idea to replace those bushings, the outer factory ones are weak from factory.