CV Boot support ring

[Black 034]

My CV boots were missing the metal support ring on small end of the boots on left side, how critical are these to life of the boot?

Thank you for your help!

 

[jnes]

I guess no critical at all. I would say that those rings are just another example of over-engineering what Mercedes did back in the days..
New boots P/N's are superceded and now starting at (A210-) and they don't have those support rings.
When I replaced CV boots, I took those metal rings from old ones and installed to the new boots.
Btw, febi reboxes MB boots..

 

[Black 034]

I used Febi boots for inner boots and Vaico for outer. I will leave for now, but at some point install the rings if I find some at a boneyard in the future. I am gravity bleeding brakes right now as they seem to drain fairly well. I do have a Motive bleeder I used on my 1968 Chrysler 300 with Budd Brakes now Wilwood. Balljoints for Budd disc are $350 a piece if you can find NOS Moog or Mopar and rotors non-existent.