RODOBAL LINE NEW product from Seals-It!!
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Protect your rod ends from the elements with these Rod End Boots from the Seals-it Company!!
Preventing rod end failures has been a high priority goal for Seals-it
ever since the company's inception.
Rod End Seals were, in fact, the product that got Seals-it into the manufacturing business many years ago. That product evolved as the result of a couple of untimely rod end failures on Seals-it founder Skip Matczak's racecars, and his commitment that it would not happen again.
In keeping with this goal, AED now offers Seals-it's RODOBAL line
of Rod End Boots. In certain cases, the fully enclosed boot may
best satisfy the needs of an application where anything less than
complete rod end isolation from the elements will not provide the
desired protection.
Scroll down for factory advice on installing Rod End Boots on Rod Ends. |
Seals-it boots are available in five sizes, which can be used for
either Imperial (English) or Metric rod ends.
The same boot fits either a male or female rod end.
REFERENCE CHART
BOOT PART NUMBER |
IMPERIAL
ROD END SIZE |
METRIC
ROD END SIZE |
USD PRICE
(6-PACK) |
RERS 1 |
3/16" |
1/4" |
5/16" |
6mm |
8mm |
$17.22 each |
RERS 2 |
3/8" |
7/16" |
10mm |
12mm |
$25.92 each |
RERS 3 |
1/2" |
5/8" |
3/4" |
14mm |
16mm |
18mm |
$28.50 each |
RERS 4 |
7/8" |
1" |
20mm |
22mm |
25mm |
$33.72 each |
RERS 5 |
1-1/4" |
30mm |
35mm |
$49.68 each |
Presently, AED will be stocking only part numbers RERS 2 and RERS 3, although this may change in the future.
Lead time for other sizes to be advised at time of order.
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ROD END BOOT INSTALLATION TIPS
These tips have been provided by SEALS-IT.
AED assumes no responsibility for rod end or boot failure, based on the following advice.
It is provided as a guide to assist in installation only.
Initial Preparation:
The natural elasticity of the boots allows stretching during assembly.
Lubrication of the boots is required to perform this operation. There are rubber "lubricants" available, but WD40 or dishwashing liquid are also acceptable.
Moderation of the lubricant is critical. Too much creates a mess
and makes the parts hard to handle. Start with a small amount.
Once the boot is installed, be sure to wipe or blow the lubricant off
the boot to avoid eventual breakdown of the rubber compound.
Now, for assembly procedures:
When looking at a boot, there are three holes: two for the bolt to pass through,
and one that the threaded "shank" of the rod end will protrude through after installation.
The rod end should be inserted “shank” first through one of the bolt cross-holes,
and then the shank should be fed through the bottom hole, so the rod end is in
a "diagonal" orientation through the two side holes.
Then, the rest of the "head" of the rod end can be inserted and pulled into the boot.
A small, blunt, round dowel can help this process if used like a tire iron to lever the boot over the body gradually.
The reason for inserting the rod end through the side hole is because the neck of the rod end boot is less expandable than the side holes.
If a customer owns a set of "retaining ring pliers" installation can also be greatly assisted. These pliers can be configured so that they contract or expand. Configured in the expanding mode, and with a set of 90 degree external snap ring tips installed (modified by grinding off the sharp “tips” that normally go in the snap ring) the customer can insert these in the side hole of the boot and expand the hole (and with lubrication, of course) be able to more easily slip the rod end into the boot in the manner described.
The external type snap ring pliers are available at most auto parts stores (a common brand is "KD Tools"), or as a reference, the current McMaster Carr lists a suitable set with 90 degree tips for (part number 5449A87).
The cautionary note here is that this is not an exact science, and some dexterity and determination is a prerequisite. The upside to the exercise is that once the boots are installed, the benefits are obvious.
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Seals-it Rod End Boots are a perfect complement for FK Rod Ends.
Please click here to go to AED's FK Rod End pages.
DISCLAIMER: AED and Seals-It {We} accept no responsibility for the suitability of the parts to any application in which they may be placed. We will not be responsible for any contingent, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever. |
