Follow up, Replace drive shaft 97 accord.

Replaced the CV drive shaft (passenger side) on '97 accord yesterday.
First time I've done one and it was easier than I had anticipated.

Even though FAQ says removing damper fork not necessary I was nervous
about getting it out and went ahead and removed it. Only took a
couple of minutes to remove it and about five to put it back.

Lower knuckle joint to lower control arm another story. It lived up
to its reputation as described by TEGGER and others. I managed to get
it off with a standard puller but with great difficulty. The puller
is strong enough it is just getting something for the pawls to grip
and stay on.

With that out of the way, rest of the job easy. (after purchasing a
36MM socket, not something the average DIYer has in their tool box)
and borrowing a larger torque wrench (mine good to 100 ft.lbs. need
180 for the hub nut) wrapped it up fairly quickly. Don't know why I
waited so long to try this one.

Now, since these things in my experience generally fail when the boots
crack without alarm and water and grit go in, grease comes out, and by
the time you hear them it is too late, what is the best thing to clean
and dress the boots with to get a longer life.

Frank

 

was it clicking? how did the joints look? boots?

advise ranges from doing nothing to spraying em with silicone spray or
armor all at every oil change and tire rotation.

i do nothing. if theyre gonna crack, theyre gonna crack.

 

Yes it was clicking and the boot was split open. I did not bother to
inspect the joint since it was clicking loudly. Just replaced the
whole drive shaft.

Thanks, I may try that.

 

==============================

DOT 5 brake fluid is pure silicone (I think) so it might be the perfect
treatment to keep the boots NEW. I've used photocopier fuser silicone
for years and it works great. Just slop it on with a paint brush.

'Curly'