I've got the E34 on jack stands, pulled left side front strut out to replace shock insert and also need to replace the worn tie rod end that connects to the center tie rod. Removing the strut I ripped the rubber boot on the lower ball joint. That lower track control arm isn't rebuildable on the ball joint end, and the only thing wrong with it is the torn rubber boot. I've contacted the Lemfoerder distributor for Australia and found that Lemfoerder doesn't supply just the rubber boots. The guy was otherwise very helpful, suggesting that Mercedes or Audi might have rubber boots that would fit. Price for the entire track control arm is about US$135.

Have any of you found a way to replace the rubber boots from somewhere other than BMW? After 16 years and 240,000 km I might as well replace all the rubber boots while it's apart, if I could discover an adaptable part.

Bill K in Sydney AU