| I am in favor of improved silicone boots and bellows for my Vanagon |
| YES |
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97% |
[ 172 ] |
| NO |
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2% |
[ 5 ] |
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| Total Votes : 177 |
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| Author |
Message |
ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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 Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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That looks pretty bad....
Other people have fitted them with no issue so far.
Flanges are not supposed to be structurally strong, it looks like something is wrong in your set up I would think.
Check your suspension travel and working angle on your CV's, loose bolts etc...
They clear perfectly even on the Empi loose fit 930 CV's....
Lemme know what you find out but flanges don't explode like that for no reason: they're here to hold the boot.
Aloha!
Alika
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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Silentbay
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2012
Posts: 33
Location: ITALY
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| Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 2:00 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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| ALIKA T3 wrote: |
That looks pretty bad....
Other people have fitted them with no issue so far.
Flanges are not supposed to be structurally strong, it looks like something is wrong in your set up I would think.
Check your suspension travel and working angle on your CV's, loose bolts etc...
They clear perfectly even on the Empi loose fit 930 CV's....
Lemme know what you find out but flanges don't explode like that for no reason: they're here to hold the boot.
Aloha!
Alika |
Everything is fine in my setup...I had 2 failed of 4...I guess the problem is I have stock syncro 16 cv joints, and porsche 930 cvs are just a bit thicker so the balls never come out...in the stock 108mm syncro 16 cv the balls at full extension come out a bit, infact original boot have grooves to allow that....If you have fb you can follow discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1015454571...mp;theater
ciao |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 4:20 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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I see exactly what you mean!
In fact you have the recessed part in the boot flange and also in the 16" Syncro CV flange on the transmission.
Your Cv's are 32 mm thick, vs 40mm.
Maybe adding a spacer like those offroad greaser spacer with a zerk fitting would solve it? Did you try see if the 16" syncro boot flange could be re-used?
I will go on FB after work, you can copy and paste my answer if you want.
Aloha!
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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Silentbay
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2012
Posts: 33
Location: ITALY
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| Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 1:01 am Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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| ALIKA T3 wrote: |
I see exactly what you mean!
In fact you have the recessed part in the boot flange and also in the 16" Syncro CV flange on the transmission.
Your Cv's are 32 mm thick, vs 40mm.
Maybe adding a spacer like those offroad greaser spacer with a zerk fitting would solve it? Did you try see if the 16" syncro boot flange could be re-used?
I will go on FB after work, you can copy and paste my answer if you want.
Aloha! |
I found your boot diameter hole is about 73mm, the original boot flange is 69/70mm so unfortunately I can't use them with that flange. I could buy porsche cvs, but too expensive for me right now and I don't see the point..so Ill probaby buy some silicone boots to fit on the original flange....thanks for your help  |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 12:02 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Hello!
here are some updates, I haven't forgotten you guys, but small batches of boots is a hard work on many levels.
The steering rack boots are still doing great, no issues at all reported so far on many kits sold in the USA and in Europe.
Same report for the 930 boots on 930 cv joints. I have some 108mm spacer flanges made for the folks with 32mm thick joints so they could use the boots with the original 16" syncro joints, or any Audi, Eurovan etc... 108x32mm CV joints. Of course the hardware would need to be 8mm longer (or 5/16" for those with 3/8-24 hardware)
These spacers are intended to be used on the outside of the CV joint under the CV boot flange to avoid the balls to hit the boot flange. They will be available soon, just inquire in PM for now.
On the bad note, I've been using the 100mm Silicone boots I've had in stock with no flange for a while, and they failed pretty badly. I've mounted a set on my van for test purposes with Audi flanges from new cv boots I had bought just to steal compatible flange). These boots were molded after a Löbro set but it turns out the transition edge from the flange to the boot is of a very poor design and induces the boot to wear prematurely at this location. This is more noticeable as the silicone is a more pliable material, it gets cut more easily.
So, now back to square one. I need to design something like the 930 cv boots I have but in 100mm stock size or find a way to make boots with woven in fiber or something stronger to work with this flange type. Since I don't have the flanges, I think I'll go for a smaller copy of the proven 930 boots I have, but I need to make the recess part for the balls as well :/
I'm sorry to disappoint so many people who have been waiting on these, but many know me, I never give up 
I will let you know about the new design as it progresses. I have a good friend who does CAD, that's helpful 
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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photogdave
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3052
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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Rjhdog
Samba Member
Joined: February 14, 2013
Posts: 369
Location: CA
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| Posted: Wed May 10, 2017 9:50 am Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Just a follow up report on the 930 Silicone Boots:
I have put at least 15K miles on a rear set of them and have had zero issues! Aside from being a bit dirty, they still look and perform like new.
These miles include multiple trips through Baja backroads, forest service roads, BC, and beyond.
Super pleased with them and highly recommend the small investment!
Now I am putting on the steering rack boots as the rubber ones just tore.
Cheers. |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 11:25 am Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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A little update , I didn't forget you guys 
I'm gonna have the original size boots ( 2WD and Syncro 14" : 100mm ) made like the 930 boots I sell since this is a good proven design.
Aluminum machined flanges with CV balls recess for people lifting their vans or for any high angle aftermarket CV joint.
Still working on details but I felt like sharing these exciting news to make you drool a little bit
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2017 12:20 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Where's the emoji for "falling over backwards"?
Let me know when you are ready to take my money!
Mahalo nui loa
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2017 11:57 am Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Aloha guys!
little update , a friend printed the new designed flange for me, I think it looks great. The print is not perfect, but I like thinking with real stuff in my hands 
We are tweaking out the last details for the boot, rounding up inner radii at the bellows, making a good lip for the zip tie to secure the boot onto the flange. Stuff like that.
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 11:09 am Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Alright guys,
last update before production !
I had a screw up on the flange, good thing I 3-D printed it, it didn't clear some brands of spreader plates .
It's all good now :
See you soon with real stuff 
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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FrankenSubySyncro
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2007
Posts: 638
Location: Vancouver, WA.
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| Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 9:00 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Hi Alika, any chance of getting silicone syncro 16 front outer boots? I have had so many boots break im considering going back to stock axles in the front. Silicone boots seem to be the ticket. I know it is a much smaller market but there is a big need.
Thanks
_________________
Syncronize it!
1987 Franken Syncro (converted 2WD auto)
2004 2.5 SOHC Subaru
F & R lockers, decoupler, SS, 6.17 R&P
Trans Cooler
EMPI race prepped 930 CVs and axles
Bilstein coilover front, rear ProComp MX-6066R shocks, 14" hypercoil springs
30x9.5 15" BFG Muds
Custom skid plates
Nose job (custom front bumper) http://www.flickr.com/photos/subyvanagon/sets/72157624970330925/ |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 1:07 am Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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| FrankenSubySyncro wrote: |
Hi Alika, any chance of getting silicone syncro 16 front outer boots? I have had so many boots break im considering going back to stock axles in the front. Silicone boots seem to be the ticket. I know it is a much smaller market but there is a big need.
Thanks |
Hey man!
even with the thermoplastic boots from GKN? I'm not sure silicone will handle it in this location, VW already switched from ruber to thermoplastic on early Syncro 14" for this reason.
I'm trying to get the stock cv boots in production, I'm not sure I'll invest in the outer 16" though. At 22K a mold, it's hard to cough up 
Aloha!
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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WonderinMan
Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2018
Posts: 74
Location: Santa Fe, NM
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 1:19 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Aloha Alika!
Any chance you got these in production yet? I am going to be in need of some CV boots soon and after reading up a ton, silicone seems to be the go-to and you're the braddah with um!
Tell John Hook and Philip Lemoine aloha for me!
-Rob
_________________
|Imogen - '82 Westfalia|
Sooooo (air)cooooool(ed)!
Priors:
|'97 Getta - SCCA-raced|
|'62 Splitty Bus|
|'68 Beetle| |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Howzit Rob!
Funny, I just fixed Philip's van yesterday!
For the CV boots, I'm really having a hard time to get them into production. I found a company that can make them but the mold still costs way over 10G for producing samples. I wanna test them first but not loosing 10G in the process if they don't last up to my expectations...
I need an artisan to make me a few sets like I used to do, but they are hard to find. Mine shut done its business.
So for now, still at idle, sorry man !
Aloha!
Alika
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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shagginwagon83
Samba Member
Joined: February 07, 2016
Posts: 3796
Location: VA/TN
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 5:10 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Start a gofundme. If we get 500 vanagon owners to put in $20 each... And then $20 off discount code... Lol I just really want these
_________________
Brandon
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram @joannthevan |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 5:47 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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Yes, but that brings us back to the same issue, what if the product is not good? Auction the mold for art paper weight?
I'll find somebody, I know it can be done, I'm just really busy with life lately.
_________________
Silicone Steering Boots and 930 Cv boots for sale in the classifieds.
Syncro transmission upgrade parts in the Classifieds.
Subaru EJ22+UN1 5 speed transmission
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416343
Syncro http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4...num+gadget |
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WonderinMan
Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2018
Posts: 74
Location: Santa Fe, NM
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| Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2018 5:54 pm Post subject: Re: Hopefully the end of the BS: Silicone Boots & Bellows |
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| ALIKA T3 wrote: |
Funny, I just fixed Philip's van yesterday!
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Saw on his IG then made the connection-
Get one Braddah Alika with one VW Vanagon, in Hawaii, garanz da same faka!
| ALIKA T3 wrote: |
So for now, still at idle, sorry man !
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No matter, as long as da van stey running its cherreh!
no need for apologize, Breh! Keep us in da loop, eh?
Let me know if you need some test fit and trial runs on rugged NYC streets
Aloha!
_________________
|Imogen - '82 Westfalia|
Sooooo (air)cooooool(ed)!
Priors:
|'97 Getta - SCCA-raced|
|'62 Splitty Bus|
|'68 Beetle| |
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ALIKA T3
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2009
Posts: 6351
Location: Honolulu,Hawaii and France
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