Dust Boot - 6.9 Levelling valves

[Styria]

Some of us are familiar with the fact that we have not been able to locate these dust boots to replace units that are usually worn beyond redemption. I think even S-Class gave up in the end after some searching.

Unfortunately, I am no closer to procuring that part. However, at long last, I have a boot in undamaged condition that provides us with some (whatever) numbers.

First of all, there is a small Mercedes insignia with the number 4446 031 000 alongside it. That's one clue, I guess. Secondly, there is another insignia that looks like a Chevrolet sign, but could also be a Firestone or Phoenix rubber identification imprint. I wish I could take a photograph of it. Beside that insignia, is the part number (?) 416073, with the one being a European "1", but the 7 is your normal English version.

We've got some pretty cluey guys on 'topklasse' and these numbers may just be the information that may enable us to cross reference them to someone or some part. Help needed. Styria

 

[WGB]

One stop gap solution which I think came from TJ450 eas to fabricate them from vacuum diaphragms as used in teh central locking system.

Another option may be to mould our own using rubber or silicon.

Silicon would probably be more durable.

Bill

 

[s class]

Yes, I kind of did give up - I tried using ball-joint rubbers. They looked great for a while, but the inevitable bit of hydro oil that sweats out degraded the rubber of the boots.

styria, is it possible to tale that one sample to a specialist place and have it reproduced? I would be interested in buying some.

 

[CraigS]

I had the same thought about tie rod rubbers, but had thought this might be a short term solution. Maybe a silicon "liner" could be sprayed on the inside.

 

[Styria]

Yes, I kind of did give up - I tried using ball-joint rubbers. They looked great for a while, but the inevitable bit of hydro oil that sweats out degraded the rubber of the boots.

styria, is it possible to tale that one sample to a specialist place and have it reproduced? I would be interested in buying some.

Hi S-Class and CraigS, I have virtually hundreds of tie rod and ball joint boots, and none of them even come close. The problem is the extremely thin groove on the body of the valve, and it takes a very special thin, and malleable, rubber that could be fashioned to fit. You'd also have the problem of retaining that end on account of the narrow steel ring that's needed to hold the rubber on the groove.

Regarding reproducing same, I just have no idea where I could even start, so that obviously is another, and different problem. As you guys know, it all takes time, and I just have not had that at my disposal - but again, where do you start, and who do you start with ? I just don't know. Regards Styria

 

[B13]

Secondly, there is another insignia that looks like a Chevrolet sign, but could also be a Firestone or Phoenix rubber identification imprint. I wish I could take a photograph of it. Beside that insignia, is the part number (?) 416073, with the one being a European "1", but the 7 is your normal English version.

That insignia looks very much like a Briggs and Stratton sign without the text on it.

 

[TJ 450]

I used the diaphragms from heater valve vacuum elements. Someone on the M-100 forum recommended central locking diaphragms prior to me choosing this method. I cut a hole in the top for the shaft and packed the boot with rubber grease before assembly. They have been on the car for a few months with no signs of deterioration. Admittedly, the car has not been driven at all in that period.

I'll report in due course whether or not they fail. In any case they are easy to replace in-situ as long as dirt has not been allowed in.

That's interesting about the MB coolant, Styria. It sounds not unlike synthetic motor oil.

Tim

 

[WGB]

I thought I saw a post somewhere that congratulated Styria on solving this conundrum.

Is it possible to cast from a mould using silicon?

You can even get black silicon now for the purists.

Bill

 

[TJ 450]

I thought I saw a post somewhere that congratulated Styria on solving this conundrum.

That's entirely possible.

In any case, it's an excellent idea.

Tim

 

[daantjie]

Hi guys
Sorry to revive this very old post but has anyone located a magic stash of these dust boots?
I know there is a workaround but the original boots really do fit perfectly.

 

[Styria]

Hi Daantjie, I have found suitable boots thanks to the efforts and resourcefulness of PvD, one of our members. I will dig up the information for you and submit it in due course. In the meantime, however, I can tell you that it is a Suzuki part and readily available from that company. Regards Styria

 

[daantjie]

Ah this is fantastic news thanks! Please update with the part number. No rush, hell I've been searching this long haha

 

[daantjie]

Styria any word on the part#? Cheers

 

[PvD]

Daniel I did reply to your request but doubt if it was actually sent. The boots are available as follows:
Google suzukisuper using Google. Then log onto the suzukisuper on eBay site. Then in the top where you can place a search in place of suzukisuper insert '4te boot repair kit' the boots I bought should come at with 2 boots for $10.85.
Regards,
Peter

 

[daantjie]

Got it thanks!

 

[sean sherry]

And who suggested that Topklasse is slowly fading into the Sunset!!!!
I think not! See my insurance savings for instance.

 

[Styria]

Hi Daantje, my apologies for not replying to your enquiry - on a number of occasions I have been looking for the information as so kindly supplied to me by Peter. Thus far, I've not been able to find it, and in the hurly burly of everyday commitments I did not take the opportunity to reply to you - also, I had kept on looking without success - yet I know I still have the information. Again, please accept my sincere apologies. Regards Styria

 

[daantjie]

No worries all good!
Cheers guys

 

[Styria]

So, I the end, did you manage to purchase those rubber boots ? I've never bought any,and it is only through the good graces of PvD that the details became available. However, I do believe that he has fitted them successfully to one of the valves in his car. Regards. Styria

 

[daantjie]

Shipping from Australia was a bit too dear. I am now looking at getting some off eBay. Will let you guys know how she goes.