In doing an inspection I found my right rear lateral link ball joint cover was torn. I can't imagine what caused this. Any ideas?

Will have to replace the entire link since you can't just replace the cover. What a pain!

 

2009 C2S 127K miles

Yep, time to replace. That is what happens....... at the basic level, it is called entropy.... in economics, it is called planned obsolescence..... in car-guy parlence, it is called "oh cht".

The boot keeps out dirt, which would grind and wear the parts... causing a clunking.

Welecome to the DIY world.... not hard to do. The big arguments that follow:

1) Porshce part vs OEM?
2) Alignment afterwards?
3) Torque values?
4) Neosporin?
5) Best beer for suspension work?

Answers:
1) Depends.... is your car a Fabrege egg or a mass-market consumer product?
2) See #1
3) Screw it..... hit it with a hammer... I can't get in there...cht..... just pull on it... hard!
4) Yes, Neosporin
5) Any, just make it a lot.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

 

Just seems to early for them to "wear out". Only 45k on the car.

 

Age? Rubber doesn't last forever.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

 

car is a 2011

 

 

After putting new arm, you definitely need alignment. I learned it the hard way. It changed the toe angle and wore out my kinda new tires within 2K miles.