Nicked a new boot during install - repair suggestions?

[lostranger2026]

Well that sucked. Brand new TTX upper control arm. I used their new bolt and nut and the nut had so much thread locker on it that it was really hard to turn. I put the drill on there and that caused so much torque that my wrench slipped and nicked the boot.
After some creative vocal notifications I put the old nut back on.
The boot is made of neopreen and it's still completely clean, no grease on the outside. I'm thinking to raise the arm, extend the boot as far as possible and then use clear silicone tape which can adhere to itself around the boot. However, maybe someone here as a better, much more clever idea ?

N.B.
I put a torque wrench on the TTX nut and the amount of torque required to spin it is more then the torque required to fasten the nut - it's just plain stupid.

 

[Shran]

I'd be tempted to try super glue.

 

[superj]

Super glue would be my first thought also

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Can you buy just a balljoint and swap the boots?

 

[Uncle Gump]

If the old boot is serviceable... swap it.

 

[Jazzer]

If the boot is absolutely clean, the silicone tape is an excellent idea.

 

[lostranger2026]

If the old boot is serviceable... swap it.

I got two old boots, but they're incompatible with the new ball joint. They're both OEM whereas the new ones are Mevotech TTX.

 

[lostranger2026]

Super glue would be my first thought also

The problem with super glue is that even if it does adhere to neoprene, it will still become hard and could crack as the boot moves.

 

[lostranger2026]

If the boot is absolutely clean, the silicone tape is an excellent idea.

Brand new and these things are greasable, so I think the tape will hold the grease in, but... not sure.

 

[Curious Hound]

I wouldn't do superglue. Superglue is a rigid material and the boot needs to flex and move. It won't last.

I don't know how expensive these are. But, if it's knicked or cut in any way, replace it with new. Or, second choice, put the old one back on if it's in good condition.

 

[lostranger2026]

I wouldn't do superglue. Superglue is a rigid material and the boot needs to flex and move. It won't last.

I don't know how expensive these are. But, if it's knicked or cut in any way, replace it with new. Or, second choice, put the old one back on if it's in good condition.

Probably looking at around ~90 USD for a new upper control arm. Considering it's the same amount of labor for me to remove and replace it, I'm tempted to try and repair first and see how long it might last.

Of course if I do replace it I'm going to have to get a new alignment as well, which I haven't done yet. So, 90 + ~120-150. Bloody insult to injury I say.

 

[pjtoledo]

clean it and force some silicone rtv into the crack, a small amount should hold it in.
if it were mine I'd swear at it then drive it.
those boots are not perfectly sealed, the top rotates against the control arm/ball joint.

 

[pentode]

These are all good suggestions.

I'm going to channel some old farmer wisdom and say: keep it full of grease and it'll never wear out.

 

[pjtoledo]

These are all good suggestions.

I'm going to channel some old farmer wisdom and say: keep it full of grease and it'll never wear out.

OK, but they were talking about bacon grease.

 

[pentode]

Grease is grease, let's not get into chemistry. Or physics.