Ball joint boot....does this look normal?

[gonefishing]

While I was under my truck for an oil change, I noticed the boot on my lower ball joint on the driver side seemed almost like it was collapsed in on itself. I then looked at the passenger side and it was not like this. Does this look normal? I'm under warranty and will be going to the dealer soon for some other issues so I'll have them look at it also. Wanted the board's 2cents also. Thanks!

Driver side:

Passenger side:

 

[Jimzz]

Yea its fine unless its cracked/leaking. Maybe got cold and pulled in or was installed like that.

 

[oldhp]

Its just folded in. Bad thing is, you have to assume there is grease in there. Only way to grease is with a grease needle, but that voids warranty. Have dealer note it on your service record for any future warranty ball joint problems

 

[01rangerxl]

Normal. Even if it looks like the truck is level, a slight difference in load on the joint can cause that.

When it cracks 10 years down the road, you need to pay attention to it.

 

[Merkava_4]

Those are fine as long as they're not torn and you see grease oozing out.

 

[Kool1]

I would use my fingers to try to remove the crease from the boot allowing the boot to hopefully return to its normal shape.

 

[CharBaby]

Yeah, that's nothin' to worry about!

 

[The_Eric]

Originally Posted By: oldhp
Its just folded in. Bad thing is, you have to assume there is grease in there. Only way to grease is with a grease needle, but that voids warranty. Have dealer note it on your service record for any future warranty ball joint problems


As it should- not to mention you're not doing anything beneficial. By squirting some grease into the boot, you're not forcing it into the joint. Why is it that all the fittings are on the back side of the joint? To force fresh grease through the ball/bushing area and wear metals out into the boot.

 

[Trav]

+1 It looks fine to me, i wouldn't go sticking a needle in it, its nice and dry.
In a greasable joint the grease in the boot acts as the water barrier as the boot is not totally sealed from the elements, in these there is no need.
Lubed for life like these the grease is where it should be in the ball and socket and the sealed boot is the water barrier, it doesn't need to be full of grease.