Abstract: A boot assembly used with a Joint assembly has an elastomeric boot and an annularly shaped retainer ring. The elastomeric boot is approximately cup shaped and has an axis with a cavity therealong. A substantially coaxial first aperture at a base portion of the boot opens to the cavity. The retainer ring is substantially concentric with the first aperture of the boot and is secured to the boot at the base portion. The retainer ring has a plurality of radially inwardly extending fingers. Each finger has a finger aperture therethrough reducing a bending strength of the finger in response to an axial force thereagainst.