Replace rubber boot

[pew]

Hello all

I have a problem with my 2002 Jeep KJ, and I would appreciate some advice. The front transmission shaft is covered by a rubber boot. This was destroyed - probably took a hit from a rock. Jeep won't replace the boot alone; they only replace the entire sub-assembly. The Jeep dealer here in Australia quoted $A1100 (around $US900). I took the car to an independent repairer, who got the same story from Jeep in Oz and the US, except for them the quoted cost was $A1700 ($US1360). (I'm thinking of investing in these flimsy rubber boots - over 50% a month is a good return The repairer has replaced the rubber boot twice with generic spares, and both times the replacement has been shredded immediately driving on city bitumen roads (i.e. in less than a day).

I have 3 questions.
1. Is there a good technical reason why Jeep won't supply the rubber boot separately?
2. Does anyone have any advice on how to fix this - apart from paying an $A1700 for a 10" rubber tube?
3. Do I really need to have a boot on this? I have a suspicion I have done a fair bit off-road while it was damaged, and the car is running fine.

Thanks in advance
Peter

 

[valvestem]

Boot

It is referred to as a "dust boot" in the FSM. I'd say that it is all that plus something to keep the grit from out of the sliding joint.

 

[fouros]

peter

have you tried poly 4x4 in melbourne, or go to www.ausjeepoffroad.com

there is a whole list of suppliers there mate

Regards

Gerard