1G CV Joint rubber boot replacement

[AlphaAssault]

The CV joint boot on the drivers side wheel is torn open pretty badly. i do not know how long it has been ripped, but I am experiencing no clicking or grinding when turning, accelerating, or decelerating. Since the joint seems to remain usable, I was going to just replace the joint boot with those replacements you can find at Autozone, etc... My question is how do I clean the joint before replacing the boot? Is there anything special I need to do before applying the new boot?

 

[CompuBob_TSi]

if it's dirty I assume you can just try to wipe out the grease and possibly use brake cleaner if you need to. then just repack it.. I think you will have to remove a C Clip to get one side of the axle apart so you can slide on the new boot, unless you can buy the two piece boot.

 

[rb25det510]

i know for a fact that brake clean will not get the original grease off, just wipe it all of with a rag. autozone should have new grease and if not the dealer will.

 

[AlphaAssault]

I was looking at getting the replacement boot that has been cut down the side so you can slip it over the joint, then you can seal that slit so no grease gets out. Any opinion on these?

 

[19Eclipse90]

I was looking at getting the replacement boot that has been cut down the side so you can slip it over the joint, then you can seal that slit so no grease gets out. Any opinion on these?

I personally wouldn't use that, find one completely closed.

You can use gasoline and an old paint brush to clean the joint of the old grease.

Another tip, don't use a clamp for the boot around the axle shaft (the small end). The boot itself hugs the shaft tight enough that loses a small amount of grease initially and allows the boot a bit more mobility without tearing. This is only with the completely closed boot also.

 

[AlphaAssault]

I was actually going to use zip ties to keep the boot closed. I think I will try this first, then if this one goes, ill try a solid boot. Also, is the replacement boot a universal part I can get at most part stores, or do I need to look for eclipse replacements only?

 

[steve]

Split boots don't last.
Follow the VFAQ CV Boot installation

 

[AlphaAssault]

Will a can or 2 of WD40 be suitable when cleaning the old grease from the joint?

 

[19Eclipse90]

WD-40 is a lubricant. It's purpose is not to clean. If it works, that's great - I have personally never used it because gasoline works so well. That's my advice, take it if you want or chance spending more money. If you want a spray like that, I would recommend brake cleaner over WD-40.
Disclaimer: Of course when working with gasoline, work in a well ventilated area and somewhere free of any sort of sparks.

 

[steve]

WD40 is mainly a solvent but two cans isn't going to clean out the CV joint unless your just talking about the final rinse after you have cleaned the grease out with rags/paper towel.

I cleaned and repacked the front inner and outer joints and swore I'd just order axles from Raxles in the future. It wasn't hard just slow and dirty.

 

[AlphaAssault]

I have managed to get in and closely inspect the torn CV boot. Basically, the only part of the old boot that is actually left are the two ends with the clamps. It was obvious, after taking the wheel off, that this joint had been like this for a LONG time. There was a thick layer of grime even on the remnants of the old boot. The exposed joint was completely and totally covered with grease and dirt.

This brings up an interesting question: since it obviously had been dirty for at least several months (longer, I'm willing to bet) why hadn't it been making noise or failed altogether? The next logical question is, what if I just left it like it is? Obviously it wasn't going to get any worse, the grime already on it formed a shield of sorts to anything else that was going to get on it. After examining it, i blasted it and the surrounding area with half a can of brake cleaner. That helped, but didn't completely clean it. Now I'm worried, though, that because I messed with it, it is now more likely to start acting up.

Should I have just left it alone and fix it when it failed? Man, I'm kicking myself for trying to make it better. I still have a replacement boot, but I don't know what to do now. Help?

 

[asexton6969]

In my own opinion, if a boot is torn. You never have an idea of how long its been. Dirt and what not has now contaminated the bearings. Better of to just replace the cv shaft all together. Not saying its completely damaging to a transmission, but its never good when a cv shaft comes apart.