EXT: Replacing CV Boots

[djcaz_aom]

Since LadyG posted a DIY on axle replacement, I decided to post this up on just replacing the boots. Sometimes the axles aren't clicking, but a boot or boots are torn.

This DIY requires a lot of patience. I like the idea of keeping my OE Honda axles, rather than getting some remans due to a torn boot.

You can follow LadyG's thread HERE to see how to remove and install your axle. I won't cover that part of the procedure, since LadyG has already done a very good job of doing that.

You can get any brand boots, but I prefer the ones from Napa.

****NOTE, If you are replacing the outer boot, you will need to replace both boots. This DIY covers both.

Here are the part numbers:

Inner:



Outer:



Here's what's needed:



Close up of the hand tools:



What comes in each kit:



1. Cut the bands from the outer CV boot:







2. Remove the old boot:

[djcaz_aom]

Let's do the inner CV boot now.



Remove the metal bands like you did for the outer CV boot.

1. Pull the inner housing loose:





2. Separate the bearings.



3. Clean every thing with brake cleaner I use 2-3 cans per axle.



4. Make a mark on the axle and the bearing spider so you can put it back together the same way.



5. Remove the clip that retains the spider.



6. Remove the spider.



7. Remove the lock ring.



Here's what you have:

[djcaz_aom]

Putting the new boots on.

1. After everything is clean, make sure the outer CV joint is in good conditions and proceed to assemble.



2. First boot will be the outer boot.



3. Fill the joint with the provided grease,(sorry I didn't get a pic) and pull the boot over the outer joint.



4. This is the reason I prefer the Napa brand boots; ease of installation.



This hook into the other side of the new band.



5. With the special tool, crimp the band tight:





6. Repeat for the smaller band.

[djcaz_aom]

Now the inner CV Boot.

1. Slide the boot on the axle.





2. The boot should fit in the groove on the axle like this:



3. Install the lock ring:





4. Attach the spider.



5. And then the retaining clip.



6. Fill the boot with grease and attach the bearings.



Make sue the bearings are like this.



7. The next part is where patience is a virtue. Now, massage the inner cover into place and slip the boot over it.



8. Attach the outer band.





9. Now the inner.







10. The finished axle, like new again.



Hope you enjoyed this as much as i did.

[dj_ender]

Awesome write-up, +1 for you sir!

[GeoffM]

FYI, the grease goes into the joint, not the boot.
Cut the corner off the grease packet and use it like a cake frosting injector.

Everything else is spot on.
I didn't know NAPA had that style of clamp or I would've bought it from them. Of course, now both of mine are under lifetime warranty

[cb7_530]

Thanks for the DIY! Just curious how much did all this cost you to replace it?

[djcaz_aom]

Around $40.00 plus my time.

[djcaz_aom]

FYI, the grease goes into the joint, not the boot.
Cut the corner off the grease packet and use it like a cake frosting injector.

Everything else is spot on.
I didn't know NAPA had that style of clamp or I would've bought it from them. Of course, now both of mine are under lifetime warranty

Noted and corrected. I don't know why I wrote that, I know better. Thanks for catching that.

Yeah I went to 6 different vendors before finding the Napa ones, plus they are made from neoprene.

[CB7_JAY91]

Awesome write up man..

Mr. DIY!! Sweet work.

[GeoffM]

Around $40.00 plus my time.

I did the boots on both sides. The drivers side one lasted for just over a year. The Passenger side one tore almost immediately. When the metal rings came off, they tore our a wire for a transmission sensor. $100 to replace that fucker.
Lifetime warranty Autozone axles are around $47 here, and I get 20% off. Just buy new axles, unless you seriously want to experience doing the boots(Which I will admit, were somewhat fun to do).

Noted and corrected. I don't know why I wrote that, I know better. Thanks for catching that.

Yeah I went to 6 different vendors before finding the Napa ones, plus they are made from neoprene.

I think all of them are made from neoprene.
I was just basing off your picture. It looks like you filled the boot with the grease, instead of injecting it into the bearing.
My experience is all based off the the Eric the car guy video. I won't post it here. It's your DIY.

Edit: This is post 2100!!

[cb7pr]

Lifetime warranty Autozone axles are around $47 here, and I get 20% off. Just buy new axles, unless you seriously want to experience doing the boots(Which I will admit, were somewhat fun to do).

This^

I just replaced both axles Friday, totaled out to be $90 after taxes. AutoZone, Lifetime Warranty, a matter of 30 mins swapping them out = Easy.

[GeoffM]

This^

I just replaced both axles Friday, totaled out to be $90 after taxes. AutoZone, Lifetime Warranty, a matter of 30 mins swapping them out = Easy.

Plus, they don't actually have to be bad to swap them out with new ones.
I get a new suspension every 6 months. Now I get axles too

[djcaz_aom]

Ok, neoprene is a a synthetic rubber, that outlasts rubber and hard plastic in most cases. Not even the OE boots are made from neoprene. That's why these boots cost twice the price of regular ones. Most rebuilt axles are made with cheaper plastic ones.

The point of this DIY, is to keep my OE Honda axles. I have had bad luck with re-manufactured ones. Sure, I could get some cheaper boots or cheap replacement axles, but I believe in getting quality parts.

I once heard: 'It's better to have a quality part, than a guaranteed piece of $#**!' Everyone deserves their own opinion, but that's my out look on things.

[GeoffM]

Ok, neoprene is a a synthetic rubber, that outlasts rubber and hard plastic in most cases. Not even the OE boots are made from neoprene. That's why these boots cost twice the price of regular ones. Most rebuilt axles are made with cheaper plastic ones.

The point of this DIY, is to keep my OE Honda axles. I have had bad luck with re-manufactured ones. Sure, I could get some cheaper boots or cheap replacement axles, but I believe in getting quality parts.

I once heard: 'It's better to have a quality part, than a guaranteed piece of $#**!' Everyone deserves their own opinion, but that's my out look on things.

I had the same outlook as you earlier.
Then everything started breaking. I said fuck it. We'll go cheap.
Plus, my passenger side axle had 1000 miles on it before I noticed the boot (well, it got my attention).
The drivers side boot had a pin hole in it. I noticed it because of clicking.