Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Need the change the rubber boot on my 1952 Mayfair. I am told dealing with the ball and trunion joint is a pain. While doable it is best left to a shop that does trucks, or specializes in the procedure. One friend mentioned that their are modern boots, used on new cars that have some sort of zipper for easy removal and replacement. Went to NAPA today to inquire and they don't know of anything like that.
Thanks Todd

they are easy and very straight forward. the main thing is to make sure when removing the bearing caps it to do it on a clean bench with a white towel as their is a good chance you WILL disturb the needles. Even if you don't, you will when you go to re-install.

If the needles come loose, no problem, they are very easy to install upon reassembly, just don't loose any.

The biggest hassle we have which is really not a hassle is the trunion will have to be pressed out from the shaft ball after removing the bearing caps and then pressed back in after the boot has been changed.

Do not put the boot clamps on until you have the trunion back together and the end cover back in place. This is the easiest way.

On a bad day, should take you no more than 30 min. Just did one on a Caribbean and Clipper..

Can't help on the modern split boot question but would be nice if someone knows for sure or at least has a dimension so we might try to cross. I believe several Mopar products used the same junior sized units.

Complete repair kits for the joints used on junior cars and the Mopars are still seen from time to time on ebay. Kanter lists them too. The larger units for seniors are the hard to find ones and if repair on those are needed I believe it is easier to have a driveshaft shop replace the entire joint with a modern conversion. Just the senior boots are probably available though.

If the individual boots Kanter lists are the ones in this service counselor, there is an article (starting on page 27) that explains how to replace the boot without removing the pin.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL26NO7.pdf You might even be able to find a Mopar version at Napa.

Thank you both very much.