How big a problem...

[feraldisco]

...is this... On a D2 Td5. Excuse my ignorance but I don't even know what this is called and can't seem to find a reference to it in any of the schematic diagrams in RAVE...but it's near the CV/steering knuckle as you can see from pics. Obviously rubber boots are there for a reason, so a perished one isn't ideal, but how urgent is this? Looks pretty straightforward to replace and I can't imagine the parts are expensive?

[Phil B]

There are ball joints and the rubbers stop road dirt getting in and grease getting out.
They are cheap (you can buy the rubber alone) and easy to replace.
By the look of them they will all need to be replaced soon before the ball joints themselves are damaged which is a bigger and much more expensive problem.
Regards,

[loanrangie]

If you dont know their history you may as well replace the balljoints anyway.

[nvydvr]

Phil B is 100% correct.
When the boots split sand,grime etc gets in and increases wear considerably.
Just replace them.

[feraldisco]

Just a follow-up post on this. On another thread, someone recommended just using the Repco rubber boots and they have a generic brand in a size that fits well. Unfortunately these have completely perished in a bit over a year which is pathetic. So now have to get them done again using a branded boot...

[Tins]

Just a follow-up post on this. On another thread, someone recommended just using the Repco rubber boots and they have a generic brand in a size that fits well. Unfortunately these have completely perished in a bit over a year which is pathetic. So now have to get them done again using a branded boot...

Don't Replace the joint. It's not a hard job, and it's potentially your life that you are playing with. Tie rod ends, ball joints, things like that, in the suspension and steering, they are disposable. Dispose of them.

I once ran a wrecking yard. My directive was: Disposables, such as tie rod ends, ball joints, brake pads, flexible brake hoses, wheel bearings, seat belts and airbag components were NOT FOR SALE. This was before anybody had heard the term "Duty of Care".

All these things, and more that I have missed, protect your LIFE. Spend the money.