Eric,

You could change the boot if the joint had no play in it but good luck
finding one. I had the same situation on my Syncro tin top about 15 or 20
years ago and wanted to keep the joint because it was original and tight
but couldn't find any. There's no hurry to change the joint. I think those
joints were still on the van and still good when I lost it to an electrical
fire, the starter stuck on, and that was at least 20,000+ miles with torn
boots. Are you sure your joints are original?

Ray Brubaker
86 Syncro, converted to TDI power, lost to electrical fire.
89 Blue Star, on the road
87 Weekender, waiting for restoration

On Mon, Jun 26, 2023 at 5:07 PM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:

> Question on lower  ball joint boot.
>
>         My 84  has a ripped lower ball joint boot.  I’m wondering if I can
> replace it and try to save and just clean and re grease the lower ball
> joint.
>
> Or, do I have to replace the ball joint?
>
> My thinking is I might be able to do the boot myself, but likely not the
> lower joint.  And, I’d like to keep the German ball joint rather than a
> replacement.
>
> Thoughts on the idea of fixing the boot?
>
> And description of the job would be greatly appreciated.
>  For new listers, I’m blind so video’s or pictures don’t help.  I need a
> verbal description.
>
> Also, source for quality boots appreciated.
>
> I’m thinking I would replace both sides as the other is intact but I
> suspect ready to fail.
>
> Eric Caron
> 84 Vanagon.
>
>
>