anybody knows about OEM CV boot clamps?

[larryt]

So as not to start a new CV clamp thread, I'll tack this question on here. Sorry if it's a basic question.

My DS CV boot is leaking at the small clamp (closest to the tire). My PFran CV clamps will arrive today. As I understand it, I will jack up the front DS, peel back the existing clamp fastener and snip it with some metal snips, clean up the boot with some rubbing alcohol and install the new clamp. Am I missing anything here?

PFran's install instructions mention loosening the small clamp before the large clamp to prevent the boot from compressing and losing grease. Is that only if you are replacing the large clamp? Do I need to worry about compression if I am just replacing the small clamp?

Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

[OregonLC]

1) Gently remove the OE clamps. On mine, I was able to release tension with a screw driver then cut them off with side cutters.

2) Slide the small end back toward the big end a bit so that you can wipe off the shaft where the boot was clamped. Goal is to have a clean area for the re-clamp. You may need to do this a couple of times if it has been leaking.

3) Apply the new worm-drive clamps. Get them snug, but not so much that its on the verge of cutting into the rubber.

Even with an OME lift, I did it with the truck on all fours. The angle isn't enough to worry about jacking anything and if you're under 300lbs you should fit under the front of your truck just fine.

 

[r3run33]

I did not read the entire tread but I keep regular plumber clamps now as a emergency fix. When my boots were leaking I used those after putting in the grease to hold tight till I had time to re do the boots. worked very good

 

[larryt]

Thank you for the very thorough response!

 

[Muddy Bean]

ditto on the one-piece clamps. I threw mine away when I ordered new boots from Lowe Toyota. The new clamps were yellow though just like spresso said. I ordered the worm clamps with rolled edges from pfran and all has been well the past several thousand miles.

 

[e9999]

So as not to start a new CV clamp thread, I'll tack this question on here. Sorry if it's a basic question.

My DS CV boot is leaking at the small clamp (closest to the tire). My PFran CV clamps will arrive today. As I understand it, I will jack up the front DS, peel back the existing clamp fastener and snip it with some metal snips, clean up the boot with some rubbing alcohol and install the new clamp. Am I missing anything here?

snip.

Yes, possibly.
You may want/need to add more grease if you lost a significant amount. Now what is a significant amount you ask? Well, who knows exactly...? But look around under there. You'll know it if you see it.
Oh, and you don't want to add too much either...

 

[larryt]

Well, no worries about the amount of grease to add. I went to replace the clamp and discovered a torn boot. Tomorrow I'm rebooting.

 

[derekb41]

Yes, possibly. You may want/need to add more grease if you lost a significant amount. Now what is a significant amount you ask? Well, who knows exactly...? But look around under there. You'll know it if you see it. Oh, and you don't want to add too much either...

How does one add more grease to the inside of the boot? I'm guessing it is a tight fit to feed grease into the boot.

Sorry if I missed it, but what kind of grease is best?

 

[CUBuffs]

Would it be a bad idea to just put the worm-drive clamp over the OE clamp? Has anyone tried that?

 

[skhochay]

my point of view - Toyota dealer wants $400 to re-clam it with OEM one site only. I went with aftermarket for $25 that was 8 years ago still holding well. OEM are not so good by design too they will get lose over the time - no hose clamps they are not strong

 

[OregonLC]

Would it be a bad idea to just put the worm-drive clamp over the OE clamp? Has anyone tried that?

Unless you can get the OE to reduce in circumference it won't help. Not saying it won't do it, just hasn't been tried. Plus you run the risk of cutting the boot.

It's pretty easy to get the OE clams off. A little judicious screwdriver work to pry plus some side cutters.

 

[e9999]

I don't believe it...
Since I wasn't around, my wife went to a local independent to have the clamps put on.
They managed to mess one up, overtightening it to the jumping-the-thread level I think, so it's now a bit loose probably, and leaking...
I'm gonna have to put a new one on myself...
even something as simple as that...? sheesh....