CV joint boots

I've got a split one on the driver side. The rubber
still looks good, but it split, I believe, because it
was stretched out a little too much when installed.

The CV joint is still good AFAIK. Would it be hard to
install one myself? I've never done it, but have the
usual tools and do lots of service work on my cars.
I've also heard of "split boot devices" that can
be wrapped around the axle and serve the purpose
of the original boot, after of course removing the
old boot. With these, the job is obviously much easier.
Anybody know about these things? Thanks a bunch.

 

I have tried split boot replacements and they haven't worked out well. I
have given up on them.

I use only integral boots now.

There is a new technique which allows an integral boot to be installed
without dissembling everything
but it requires a special stretching tool to do it.

Boots can be replaced with relatively simple tools, and it is within the
reach of most fair
amateur mechanics.

 

I've heard of others having problems with split boots, so I looked into
another method. I've changed a cracked boot with one of these tools:

http://tinyurl.com/bodpj

using universal stretch boots (you can't use oem type boots with this
tool):

http://tinyurl.com/avt8e

Easier than removing the driveshaft and disassembling, and probably will
last longer than a split boot.

 

Split boots are crap. They're easier to install, but they
don't seal adequately. Water is the first enemy; road grit, the
second.
Do it the hard (right) way. Buy a boot kit from a reputable
manufacturer and pull the axle to disassemble and install.

 

The first URL says "Installer will avoid removing axle and disassembling of
joint ". I assume it stretches the boot so it can slip over the end of the
shaft but I'm having trouble visualizing how you can change the boot without
removing the axle.

If someone can explain how this can be done on the car, please share.

Thanks,
Bobby

 

the whole point of a split boot is that you don't need to do anything
like take the shaft out - which "slipping over the end" would require -
it's split so you just leave the shaft in place, get rid of the old
boot, clean up & fit the new boot around the shaft, then glue up the
seam. some boots are held together with screws, but whatever the
seaming method, the principle is the same.

if you want to replace a boot "properly" with a non-split boot, you /do/
have to remove the axle and remove the end that seats in the
diff/transaxle. that allows both boots to be installed without any
difficult stretching problems.

 

Murphy wrote

what does this "tube looking thing with a black pointy cone" (in the picture) do?

isn't this another split boot? I mean, how can it be installed "without disassembly"?
the page has a model/name "CV Flex Boot Standard - Astoria 2000"

FB3000
Standard Flex Boot
Features & Benefits:
# Universal Flex Boot
# Fits 90% Of Domestic/Import Cars
# Replace without dissasembly
# Includes heavy duty band clamp

 

so it sounds like this is a split boot but has some kind of jig to hold it
or something? I cannot tell from the web site. Last time I changed one,
the part I got said it could be slipped over the shaft. There was a cone
shaped tool available but I disassembled and installed as normal as I
discovered this after opening the box at home. Too lazy to go back to parts
store and look for tool. Anyway, when I saw the tool in the URL in the
original post, I assumed this was that cone-tool. Must be something else.

bb

******

 

You can download step-by-step instructions on how to install here:

http://tinyurl.com/awbpe

You still have to remove the axle nut and separate the wheel hub from
the axle, but the axle can stay attached to the transmission.

 

The boots I am talking about will actually expand to slip over the CV joing
itself, over the axle
splines, etc. They are not at all split boots.

You can load them onto an air powered 'piston' shaped tool that will expand
them like you
wouldnt believe. But, I imagine that without the tool, you would be just as
well off to take the
axle out and do it the old way.

I wouldn't waste my time on split boots, unless it was just to limp home
from a trip, and even
then they may not make it.

 

Too bad there's not a way to, say, staple and glue the two
split parts back together, assuming the rest of the boot
is good...

 

This makes sense. I guess I confused "remove" with "disassemble". It would
be nice if you didn't have to disassemble the front suspension. On my
wife's mazda, on the passenger side, after taking the suspension apart and
sliding the spline out, removing the axle is just a tap but on the diriver's
side I guess there is an advantage of not removing the shaft as the
transmission fluid falls out.

Thanks for all of the dialog.
Bob

 

you can try loctite 404. rubber would have to be ultra clean though.

 

"With lubricant. Place the (black pointy cone) on the ground and center the
boot over the cone. Holding the boot to the installer use a firm and fluent
motion to press the boot to the base of the cone.

Place the installer & cone over the joint. Drive the boot over the joint by striking the
base of the installer grease the joint. And stretch don't over the joint until a tight fit
is formed. "

Read more http://www.jonnesway.com.tw/ar060023.htm

 

It sounds like a good idea, but it really isn't. If you can't clean the joint
before you put the new boot on, it is just a matter of time before it will
fail. You need to clean the joint before putting the new boot on.

 

Of course, if the boot is compromised and there is water, salt, dirt inside,
the joint should be
cleaned and repacked. You might be able to get it clean enough using a
solvent wash without
opening the joint, but getting new grease into the inner bearings might be a
problem.

Some people actually identify and replace deteriorating boots before they go
completely to hell.

The first boot I replaced, I inadvertantly allowed the joint to
separate(even after being warned and
taking considerable care) , and needle bearings and balls went everywhere.
I finally managed to find
them all, clean everything meticulously, and packed everything back into
place. This was a real
learning experience which I do not care to repeat.