S2 upper ball joint boots or new BJ's.

[Richard48Y]

The upper ball joints on my S2 appear new, a lot of work was done just before it went into storage.
But the boots have rotted away over time.
Somewhere I saw a suggestion to use Energy Suspension 9.13105G Tie-Rod end boots.
They are certainly cheap enough and probably much more durable than rubber.
But I have to rate them as a Fail.
They have no return lip or spring wire to hold them in place at the wide end.
Under articulation the wide end will not stay in place to form a waterproof seal.

Now thinking I will just buy new BJ's.
So what brand is best quality now?
A part number and source would be even better.
Small simple part so hoping not to have to order from the UK.

[Bainford]

Interesting. My boots have been missing since I have had the car. Seems odd, and I had wondered if there might be a replacement for them. Thanks for reporting your experience. I will be doing a complete suspension rebuild eventually, so I will just replace the joints then. In the mean time, lots of grease.

[jbcollier]

The joints are very cheap to buy. 

[Richard48Y]

Yes, cheap to buy but over on the Triumph forum the boots are failing very rapidly.
In mere months, or even weeks!
"Made in India" rubber parts are cursed persistently.
So I am very willing to pay extra for better quality.
I know new boots can be bought, but where are they made?
This is actually a pet peeve for me, buying from a US vendor or US brand does not mean getting a US made part.
Same for UK, I've been known to call and ask.
Vendors usually claim to not know despite the legal requirement to state country of origin with every product.
NOT putting Chinese parts on my Lotus!

[RoddyMac]

Try BPNW, $24.10 for a pair of Lucas brand BJ's https://bpnorthwest.com/triumph/ball-joint-set-upper-lucas-spitfire-gt6/

[dakazman]

  Richard,
    I going through the same thing, Two years ago I rebuilt the front end, only to find that I will have to do it again.
  then I inspected my corvette poly bushings and they were pellets of dust.  I want biodegradable but not after a few years...
Dakazman

[Kendo]

RoddyMac, it looks like your link went wonky: added an ftp: to the url.

https://bpnorthwest.com/triumph/ball-joint-set-upper-lucas-spitfire-gt6/

[dakazman]

  Thanks Kendo , That works. BUT,... I only need the rubber. I understand though. 
Dakazman

[RoddyMac]

Kendo,
Thanks, I'm made an ID 10 T error and hit the FTP button.

[jbcollier]

https://www.lrparts.net/gl1173-track-rod-end-boot-kit-polyutherane-kit-of-four-by-gwyn-lewis-defender-discovery-1-and-range-rover-classic-also-fits-steering-drop-arm-and-anti-roll-bar-links.html

They are boots for Land Rover track rod ends, much bigger than Triumph/Lotus ones.  Probably about right for the ball joints.  I’ll try to remember to check when I get home.

[Richard48Y]

BJ's I have feature a groove around the perimeter of the body.
The original boots had an inside lip that fit into that groove and a wire retainer.
If the only way to get the boot that well secured is to buy new BJ's that is what I will do.

[jbcollier]

You can buy the wire retainers as well.  I have also often secured them with mechanics wire.