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.