Worm&Sector Cobra Ball joint Boot Dimensions

[rhbeede]

Greetings from California! As a last resort, I can dismantle one of my "ball joint" ends and measure the the diameter of the small and large openings, but I was hoping that one of the forum members either know these dimensions, or have access to an original Lockheed rubber boot that they might measure. The boots I found are very similar in shape to the Lockheed's ( alas, I can't seem to source NOS, which I would pay dearly for). These boots have a 10mm small and 24mm large hole. Many thanks in advance for any assistance offered! I'd be thrilled if you referred me to a spares provider with 6 NOS Lockheed's!!! Hope springs eternal!!! Best! Bob

[B.P.Bird]

Dear Mr.Beede,
I have looked for the correct boots for the AP Lockheed steering joints, several times over the years and met with no success. I believe there is a reason for this: The AP Lockheed Service Instructions emphasise that where a boot has been damaged then the whole ball joint must be changed regardless of whether or not any play is detected. This might explain why AP Lockheed may never have allowed replacement boots to reach the market. As you say there are perfectly adequate alternative boots available which will fit the TA89 and TA90 steering joints on the Ace/Aceca & Cobra with Bishop Cam and Peg steering box - the only difference being the maker's name. I did put a ruler on an original joint boot and the smaller hole, for the taper, is ½" and the larger, for the groove in the housing, is 1¼" so a little larger than the dimensions you quote, although being flexible rubber I suspect various sizes would do the job of keeping the grease in and the weather out. 
I wonder which Cobra you are working on, might you share the car number with us ?
Barrie

[Klassik Metall]

I have six NOS Lockheed track rod end rubber boots that came with a job lot of Ace spares. I don't know how old these are but two are in perfect condition & would be ideal for using as a sample to produce copies.
The other four are slightly dried out & hardened but I would say are still usable, they would probably benefit from a good soaking in rubber preserver/softener.
If these are of any use to you please send me a PM.
Regards, Luke.