Front lower arms dust boots?

[infernal]

Hello all!

I\'m in search of a pair of new dust boots for the ball joints of the lower arms of my S5, cause mine are cracked.
They are unavailable separately through Mazda dealers.
Is there any workaround you are aware of?

Thanks in advance!
Marios

[dthebuk]

three options as i see

1) replace the lower arm
2) Swap for the S4 2 piece lower arm (cheaper to get hold of ball joints, additionally allows more lock)
3) pack it full of grease and gaffa tape it up.

option lasted me a good 5 months, though i no longer have the car so it might still be going!

[infernal]

Thanks for the reply!
Well, due to insufficient funds -as they used to say in red alert lol- option #1 is way out of reach, option #2 would seem a good idea but is still out of reach too. I kinda dislike option #3... :o

Maybe I\'ll get the dimensions of my ball-joints and find a universal pair of dust boots if it\'s available, or check if I can fit boots from another model or even maker... :xconfused

In the meantime, if anyone has an update regarding this issue, please post!
Thanks again!
:wave

[pdtaylor18]

If you use any sort of grease just use windscreen sealant, it\'ll last as long as its kept in its shape, I have used this stuff on engine mounts before on a rally car with huge results and lasted the full year.
The S4 and S5 are interchangeable but the S4 ones do have the ability to change that lower, outer ball joint. The S5 ones you can not. Somebody will have a pair of S5 ones as loads of cars have been broken but if you are going to keep the car then try to go for S4 ones.

[infernal]

Thanx for the reply!
Yeah, I wanna grow old with my FC... So the best solution would be to go for a used pair of S4 arms with two new ball joints, as far as I see.

Why are S4 arms preferred over S5 ones, apart from the detachable ball joint? Any other benefits?

[pdtaylor18]

No just that, the detachable lower joint is the only benefit, they are exactly the same.

[infernal]

Thanks again!

[dthebuk]

No just that, the detachable lower joint is the only benefit, they are exactly the same.

I think a lot of americans also do the swap because it allows them more steering lock. This may be because they\'re easier to modify. I\'ve never seen them, just heard about them. Worth having if you\'re going to be drifting

[infernal]

Did anyone try to fit the urethane ones that Prothane supplies with the urethane bushing kit? I couldn\'t fit mine, they were just too small - couldn\'t embrace the outer lower lip of the joint...

I sent them an e-mail 4 days ago but no reply still. :confused:

Are there any other aftermarket urethane boots that are confirmed to fit?

Thanx in advance!
:o
Marios