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1/06/2019 5:54 PM  #1


Why my Moog upper ball joint dust cover split

So I used Moog ball joints in the UCAs of my 65 FB because of their reputation.  Today, after only about 100 miles, one of the dust covers split.  I couldn't understand why until I bought a cheap one (O'Reiley Master Pro for $9.00) for the dust cover.  I noticed that the tapered stud was a little thicker than the Moog one, and sure enough, it doesn't go into the spindle as far.  In fact, it sticks out about 1" versus the Moog's 3/4", as the following photos show (note the dust covers are off).  My working theory is that because the Moog goes in the spindle further, it smashes the dust cover more and causes the split.  I'd appreciate any observations.  So instead of using the Master Pro's dust cover on the Moog, I'm thinking of just using the whole Master Pro ball joint.  It has a grease fitting and very similar to the Moog, the only obvious difference being that the Moog has a thick stamped housing versus a cast one for the Master Pro.  Any thoughts on that?




BTW, for those who haven't tried to remove ball joints without  removing the shock and spring, you might try this.  It's a block of wood with an angled bottom and a tab cut into the top to fit under the spring perch:
 

Last edited by jkordzi (1/06/2019 5:59 PM)


Cheap, Fast, Good:  Pick Any Two
 

1/06/2019 7:51 PM  #2


Re: Why my Moog upper ball joint dust cover split

I have to ask, who has true quality anymore. Replaced both Silverado front hub bearings, with what was the best money could buy in AK this summer. Well I just replaced  again, (Moog under there 3 year warranty made in China) bearing, a few weeks ago. Not something I like to do away from home...

 

1/07/2019 11:32 AM  #3


Re: Why my Moog upper ball joint dust cover split

Well, the Master Pro ball joint doesn't fit up into the UCA, so I'm just going to use the cover from it, which seems identical to the Moog.  Starting to wonder if the tapered holes in my spindles are too loose because both the top and bottom ball joints go into them very far and all the ball joint covers are pretty squished.


Cheap, Fast, Good:  Pick Any Two
     Thread Starter
 

1/07/2019 8:40 PM  #4


Re: Why my Moog upper ball joint dust cover split

Are you sure that you have the right parts. I'm asking because last summer I replace mine. The first one I did fit and tightened down as I expected that it should. When I put in the other side it would not tighten down. After further investigation the part was boxed wrong. I had a big go around with Moog direct and not till they got their parts back did they admit that was the problem. They were kind enough to write me a letter and admit it.


70, ragtop 351W/416 stroker Edel Performer heads w pro flow 4, Comp roller 35-421-8. T5
 

1/07/2019 10:35 PM  #5


Re: Why my Moog upper ball joint dust cover split

One of those joints is going to change the ride height about 1/2”..
most grease boots pop be ause they have too much grease pumped into them. Hydraulics are very strong when the boot gets squished going down the road.
If you bought the Moog part at O’reilly, it has a lifetime warranty, and they will gladly exchange it for a new one. The ball joint in your picture with the longer shaft does not look correct.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

1/08/2019 8:42 AM  #6


Re: Why my Moog upper ball joint dust cover split

Thanks.  I got the Moog ball joint  at RockAuto and will ask them about it.  I have concluded that the Master Pro one was misboxed or just wasn't manufactured correctly but the cover fit perfectly.  Overgreasing makes sense as a possible cause so I'll make sure I don't do that and we'll see.


Cheap, Fast, Good:  Pick Any Two
     Thread Starter
 

1/08/2019 6:46 PM  #7


Re: Why my Moog upper ball joint dust cover split

jkordzi wrote:

Thanks.  I got the Moog ball joint  at RockAuto and will ask them about it.  I have concluded that the Master Pro one was misboxed or just wasn't manufactured correctly but the cover fit perfectly.  Overgreasing makes sense as a possible cause so I'll make sure I don't do that and we'll see.

WHAT!! ............We s'pose to put grease in 'em?!
6sal6
 


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

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