Easy way to replace Outer CV boot???

[ProjectTalon130]

I am in the middle of doing my brakes and notice the outer passenger side CV boot is cracked and spitting quite a bit of grease. I got the new boot, nice and cheap from Pep Boys, (less than $16), now my dilema is, i've never replace one before, on the 2G DSM's, what is the easiest way to replace the outer boot??? Do i have to remove the axle at all or can i remove the spindal and pull the hub assembly off and walla!!! ??? Any input would be great!

 

[tinyturbine]

There isn't an easy way. You have to remove the axle (have fun breaking the 32mm nut) then you'll need a vice to hold onto the axle while you tap the end off of it. Then you can replace the boot. I just had my passenger side shock move down about an inch after hitting a pothole. It cut all the way around the boot and the grease went everywhere.
Go here for more info:
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/CVboots.html

Have Fun!

 

[Leitnin]

most people advise againt cv boot fixes and just replace the axles. its not really worth the time for how little the axles cost more than the repair items, plus you don't have to worry about the install being a weak point.

 

[Cesar]

I don't find them too difficult, it's just that nut that's usually a pain. That's the first thing you go for, after you removed the wheel. I usually use a prybar between the studs and the ground, then a little elbow grease. Have penetrating oil handy and make sure you read the procedure throughly. Be careful removing the joint from the shaft, you might need a bench vise to make things easier. Find a strong pipe and a breaker bar. Try not to use a wrachet, as they sometimes do not stand up to the abuse.
good luck.

 

[Leitnin]

for the 32mm axle nut my advise is, get a buddy or a board if you have to and have it slamming down the brake. That should hold it well enough and you don't have to worry about the small chance of bending the wheel studs. I just use a 1/2 inch ratchet with a 4 foot pole slid over the end and turn, worked both times

don't forget the pb blaster.

 

[tinyturbine]

I wedged a bar between the bottom of the drivers seat and the brake pedal. Then I slammed the seat forward as hard as I could. The brakes held the hub just fine. But, then I had to practically jump on the 3 foot breaker bar to get the nut loose.

 

[beefstew4]

no offense to anyone else posting but jeez, you guys are doing it the hard way. If you axles are fine, then dont take them apart. Dont risk screwing up your front bearings and having to buy another nut. Plus its a huge headache to take them off no matter what anyone says. Pep boys, auto zone, advanced, and any other auto parts store should have the split boot, or "easy boot" boot replacement kit. They are around 14-16 bucks and they are alot easier to put on than pulling apart your axle. The kit i got for my car came with the grease, the rings and the boot. The first one was a little of a pain, but once i got the hang of it the second one went right on.
Some say not to use them, but i have not had a problem with them, and i know others who have used them and had good luck.
I personally took an extra step and sealed the seam with some rubber sealant that was flexable when it dried. No leaky grease. And alot easier to put on then taking off your shaft.
The reason i did not replace my axles was because there was just a small tear in both of the boots that prompted me to replace them, my axles were fine and my inner boots were in good shape.

 

[Cesar]

I would highly recommend against this procedure.
Thas is just my opinion based on previous experience. A SOLID boot is better any day.
What do you mean by screwing up your front bearings? The wheel bearings? How? Overtorquing?

 

[beefstew4]

The guy asked for an easy way to replace boots, and i gave him an easy way to replace boots. Yeah sealed boots are a better alternative, but why waste your time taking off an axle when you dont have to. Anyways why would repetable auto parts sell them if they obviously dont work, Well because they do work. And honestly when i pulled the old ones off and compared them to the split boot, the split boot was thicker than the old stock ones. Ive read about some of these guys making intakes out of parts at home depot, I highly doubt that using a split boot is going to be any more risky than some of the things i have read in these forums. Not to mention most of the kits come with warrenties.
As for the bearings, yeah the chances of screwing them up are slim, but the chance is still there. Yes you could over-torque them, not assemble them right, drop them, get sand or dirt in grease...etc.
This is just an easy way to save all that aggrivation.

 

[Cesar]

Yeah sealed boots are a better alternative, but why waste your time taking off an axle when you dont have to. Anyways why would repetable auto parts sell them if they obviously dont work, Well because they do work.

I never said they didn't work

I would highly recommend against this procedure.

MY opinion

 

[beefstew4]

Oh pardon me. I dont know what i was thinking.