fc203a7e   
   From: 1991@nowhere.com   
      
   On Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:58:29 -0800 (PST), al  wrote:   
      
      
   >It is good policy to clean the CV boots whenever you have the tires   
   >off.  Simply rotate the wheel with the steering wheel fully turned in   
   >one direction.  That exposes all the folds of the boot.  Cleaning them   
   >with any solvent, WD40 or the like, is fine.  Once clean, treat them   
   >with silicone lubricant like you would use on any rubber   
   >weatherstripping.  That methodology should increase the life of the   
   >boots greatly.   
   >Good luck.  Al   
      
   Unfortunately I cannot get to the truck with the wheels off, cause   
   it's always in a bay with someone working on it. However since it has   
   33" wheels and a lift, it sits very high off the ground and is no   
   problem to get under, or to the CV boot. Good to know that turning the   
   wheel will expose the folds. Along the lines of dressing for it, I   
   have been reading up on tire dressing, and have found that water-based   
   (not solvent-based) tire dressing is supposed to be good for   
   everything including weatherstripping, plastic bumbers, etc.... so how   
   about the CV boot?   
      
   (FTR, solvent-based, high-gloss, sticky dressing is what is associated   
   with premature cracking of sidewalls and tire discoloration.   
   Water-based tire dressing actually includes UV filters, is   
   environmentally friendly, and is safe for protecting all non-pourous   
   surfaces.) But I'd certainly be willing to buy something special for   
   the boots. At the mo' I don't have anything of the sort... but this is   
   timely because I have been noticeing my weatherstripping on the   
   sunroof especially is grayish and needs a conditioner.   
      
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