Gimbal Bellows Clamp: Everything You Need to Know

The gimbal bellows clamp is one of the most important elements of maintenance and protection of the bellows. The gimbal collar, located at the end of the gimbal and its bellows, is often versatile and can be tightened or loosened depending on the bellows model. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the gimbal collar: its role, wear symptoms, how to tighten it, and how much it costs to replace it!

⚙️ What is a gimbal boot collar?

The gimbal boot collar is shaped like a metal circular disc with teeth which allows it to be regulated. On the vehicle, you will find it at the end of the suspension and bellows... Thus, this is what allows the two elements to be connected and ensure their tightness. By properly servicing the bellows, it will protect cardan penetration of water and dust when providing lubrication of universal joints with grease.

Thus, on your car you are in the presence of 4 gimbal bellows clamps, or one on each stabilizer. The size of the gimbal bellows will vary depending on your vehicle model, you can have an adjustable bellows, transmission bellows, or a universal bellows. The gimbal cover clamp can be universal or have a certain diameter.

If you want to know which of your vehicles you can consult with service book this and pay attention to the exact designation of the compatible universal joint bellows clamp.

Also known as a bellows hose clamp, it can be stainless steel or steel depending on the brand.

⚠️ What are the symptoms of HS gimbal collar cuff?

If one or more of the universal joint bellows clamps are in poor condition, they will no longer be able to fulfill their role and the following symptoms will appear in your vehicle:

• The collar is damaged : there are pinches or tears on its surface, it can no longer tighten the suspension and the bellows;
• The bellows is damaged : they can crack or puncture because they are not held correctly by the gimbal bellows collar;
• Traces of fat are present : They can be on your wheels or on your suspension, they reflect the sealing problem associated with the bellows and their cuffs.

As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, it is important that you see a mechanic as soon as possible for repairs and replacement parts.

🛠️ How to tighten the gimbal boot collar?

In some cases, the gimbal clamp may loosen and need to be adjusted on the gimbal cover. To succeed in this operation, follow the instructions in our guide and arm yourself with certain tools.

Required material:

Protective gloves

Toolbox

Jack

Candles

Gimbal Bellows Clamping Pliers

Step 1. Raise the car

For easy access to the collar, you can jack the vehicle and jack stands. This will also make it easier to disassemble the wheel.

Step 2: disassemble the wheel

Using a torque wrench, you will unscrew the nuts holding the wheel and then remove the entire wheel.

Step 3. Tighten the gimbal boot clamp.

Locate the gimbal cover collar, then use the pliers provided for this use to tighten the gimbal cover collar. There should be no gap between the bellows and the collar, the latter should not have any backlash.

Step 4. Assemble the wheel of your car.

When the gimbal boot clip is properly tightened, you can reassemble your car wheel and lower it off the supports and jack.

💸 How much does it cost to replace a gimbal boot collar?

The gimbal boot clamp is an inexpensive part. On average, it takes 2 € and 3 € for one necklace. If you want to buy a collet chuck and a milling cutter, its price will be between 15 € and 30 € depending on the brand.

If you're going to the garage to change the gimbal boot cuff, you will need to factor in labor costs. Therefore, you will be billed for this transaction between 30 € and 50 €.

The gimbal bellows clamp is an important part for keeping your gimbals on the gimbals. When they seem messed up, you will have to quickly contact a professional before they give up completely!