1987 BRAT CV boot question With answer

[okie bill]

One of the inner boots on the front of my 87 BRAT is torn. I'm thinking that while the motor is out is the perfect time to replace all four. Searching at Rock Auto I find two part numbers Beck/Arnle 1032129 and 1032130. Can anyone explain the difference? Ordered one each. There is no visible difference except price.

Edited September 24, 2011 by okie bill
Answer question

[MilesFox]

for 1987, you want to distinguish between ea81 and ea82 style, as they were both in manufacture for 1985-89 at the same time.

 

use the part number that is best relative to these therms:

ea81, overhead valve(OHV), hatchback, brat, 4wd 4spd

 

and stay away from ea82 terms such as:

overhead cam(ohc), turbo, wagon or sedan or xt, 4wd 5spd

 

some of the boots are interchangeable between some combinations of fwd and 4wd axles. Generally, the outer boot should be the same, but the shaft diameters may be different.

 

It's more of a trick to know which part NOT to get, to avoid having the wrong one. You must be armed with the right part number, and tell the parts counter which part you need, you don't let them tell you, because, otherwise, you are at the will and mercy of someone who has no clue what you are looking for themselves.

 

This is all true for brake and suspension parts regarding these years overlaps, as to not get the wrong brake pads, rotors, drums, struts, or axles.

 

Remember the key terms when shopping, that way you know if you are being presented the wrong part at the counter before placing your order.

[bheinen74]

Bet the one you have that is torn is on the passenger side... The y pipe cat is over there and tends to cook the boots over the years on that side.

 

The oem axles you have are far superior quality than any new replacements you will buy at a discount parts store. Keep your 3, maybe reboot the torn, or replace that single one.....I would suggest just to reboot it and use new grease, and let it be done, save up the money saved for other stuff like ball joints, water pump, hoses, etc...