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The rubber boots on ball joints and tie rod end are the ones that frustrate me these days,

Put them in and 3 months later split and leaking grease, simple fix removing all the ball joints for replacement boots NOT !

Greg

With all the fancy stuff on the market, it still surprises me that you can't buy a CV/balljoint boot with a closeable seam to allow it to be installed (wrapped around and sealed) with the joint intact.

Cheers,
Harv

More likely to end up with non serviceable ball joints than something sensible like that Harv. I think Elles FB has no grease nipples in the uppers.

Harv wrote: Tue Apr 21, 2026 1:12 pm With all the fancy stuff on the market, it still surprises me that you can't buy a CV/balljoint boot with a closeable seam to allow it to be installed (wrapped around and sealed) with the joint intact.

Cheers,
Harv

You mean these Andrew?

More knackered rubber bits. I'm wondering if detergent is doing the damage??????

Craig Allardyce wrote: Tue Apr 21, 2026 4:52 pm You mean these Andrew?

Ooooh.... I like those . I learn something new every day.

Cheers,
Harv

Craig Allardyce wrote: Tue Apr 21, 2026 6:58 pm More knackered rubber bits. I'm wondering if detergent is doing the damage??????


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I know AI isn't everyones cup of tea and that a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing etc. but I asked Gemini what causes rubber to degrade in a sunless environment.

1 - Ozone. - Causes chemical chain scission, the result is surface "crazing" or small, deep cracks perpendicular to stress.
2 - Heat - Causes thermal oxidation, the result is hardening, cracking, loss of flexibility.
3 - Fuels and oil - Causes solvent swelling/Ozone inhibitor extraction from rubber, the result is swelling, becoming "gummy," or excessive hardening after evaporation.

Didn't delve deeper but the cracking looks like ozone ( lack of ozone inhibitor ), so either #3 (if not actual chemical oil, maybe oil from skin?) is allowing ozone to break it down, or its cheap rubber with a lack of the ozone inhibitor.

Pure speculation but it would be leaning towards cheap rubber if it is happening in a range of situations where #2 of #3 might not be a factor.

It's good to be back on the road. Did about 100kms with no major issues. Engine is performing well with some on road fine tuning needed.
Best part was getting home and having a look underneath. Totally dry!
My next challenge is to try and rebuild my vacuum washer pump. Sourcing a new diaphragm is going to an issue. In the hunt for this part I have come across a vacuum wiper motor paddle parts kit. It suits a XK Falcon, but I think it's a good chance it will suit the FB. I don't need to replace mine as they are working really well, but it would be nice to have a spare.

It is so satisfying to drive a machine that you have tinkered with.

Good to hear no oil leaks.

Greg

about bloody time mate just in time for Stanthorpe

Jesus Blacky, it's only been a year and a half.
No Nationals for a while mate, but I could be swayed for another WA run. I'd have to dust off the teardop for this one. I can only hope the stinking economy turns around by then.