How common are torn boots on suspension components?

[kschachn]

When has Moog not been what they used to be? Since when the 50s?

I don’t know. And Moog may not all be the same for everything, my comments were coming from Japanese vehicles. Maybe it’s better for US ones.

 

[IndyIan]

They advertise a little grease opening so they can't be over greased. I've had terrible luck with Moog boots either way

Yes, my far to expensive moog sway bar link has both boots split at 8 months....

 

[The motor guy]

Yes, my far to expensive moog sway bar link has both boots split at 8 months....

They aren't expensive. Probably $30 for a link. It's the labor that's expensive

 

[Chris142]

So who makes ball joints/tie rod ends besides Moog? I don't understand why so many shops always insist on using them

Moog used to be very good and that has followed them like Napa parts in the past.

Imo the biggest killer of boots is a pickle fork used to remove a joint from a knuckle.

 

[IndyIan]

They aren't expensive. Probably $30 for a link. It's the labor that's expensive

Well I decided to throw a bone to my local independent parts shop, and this was the only one in stock and it turned out it was $60... Well I figured it would at least last until the end of the car.... But it didn't do that either. I put it in, so no labor, but I've had much better luck with $22 white box ones. They go for 3+ years.

 

[FTTSHO]

I recommend washing the boots every once in a while with water, to remove dirt and stuff that collects.

Dirt acts as a grit, and with the boots moving with suspension movement, the dirt will eventually eat away the rubber and cause it to tear.