Are any of the ArmorAll or Black Again sprays suitable for keeping the
CV boots clean and 'refreshed' so they don't get dried out?
Don't use these - they'll put a skin on the rubber which will eventually
crack and take the rubber with it.
I'd also advise against using any kind of spread on grease - it'll attract
dirt.
If a boot could be made to last a year or two longer, what would you
recommend / condemn ? ?
I've been using silicone spray for years - my '92 Integra (125K miles)
still has original C/V boots which are now showing some sign of cracking on
the inner fold of the pleats. Preferably you want to use a medium silicone
spray, i.e. not dry or too wet, such as the CRC brand. Too wet attracts
dirt which turns into a gooey coating and too dry doesn't do much. I apply
when the car is jacked up for an oil change and I'm waiting for the oil to
drain.
Some of the new models have C/V boots made from TPE (thermo plastic
elastomer) material - feels harder except at the folds - instead of rubber
and I'm not sure if the silicone helps much there.
Rgds, George Macdonald
"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??