I have a 91 Plymouth Acclaim (3.0) with 137000 miles on it. I just replaced the driver's side axel with an Advance (auto store) replacement. All went fine except after I had the wheels aligned I noticed that the axel was missing the outer boot metal strap, the one closest to the wheel.
I used a plastic tie hoping that would prevent the boot from leaking its grease. Now when I make a turn I can hear, I could be wrong, a loud clunk like noise that sounds like boot is slipping off. I checked the boot and it seems fine. I think it might slip on and off during the turns.
My comfort level with this is zero. I can not find pliers or a metal strap (the strap must be low level or it will interfere when spinning) anywhere that will fit.
I know I can replace the axel at Advance with no problem but I am not looking forward to all the (it's a pain with the strut) work and then have another wheel alignment done.
I do own a boot pliers that will squeeze the "ears" together but like I said, it can get in the way. Does anyone know a place that sells the correct size metal straps and pliers?
Thanks Hank from PA