CV boot again

[jgranthevagrant]

Hello mud,

Just back from a long weekend with a lot of time in 4wd. Drivers side CV boot is torn. Has anyone come up with a viable repair without removing the whole cv joint? Nothing wrong with the shaft, just a torn boot. I searched the faq and the forum. Truck is a 1990 22re extended cab.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

If you're talking about a new boot that has a seem up the side so you can install it around the shaft, they are not very reliable. To install a proper new boot you not only have to get the shaft out, but you need to disassemble the shaft as well. If I remember correctly the "easy" way is to unbolt the upper ball joint and pull the shock. This will get you the room you need to get the shaft out.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

It's really not as bad as it sounds though. You will need snap ring pliers and if the new boot clamps use a special tool to install, you'll need that.

 

[jgranthevagrant]

Thanks Jerod. that's what I thought. I was hoping for a less time consuming method. I've done it before and have the tools. I'm down to my last intact spare shaft.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Once the shaft is out, changing the boot is pretty easy. Cut/remove straps on inner boot, slide the differential flange end off, remove snap ring and slide 3-roller piece off. Slide outer boot off, clean everything up and prepare for new boot install. Changing the shaft is way more involved than changing the boot once the shaft is out.

 

[jgranthevagrant]

Thanks Jerod. Took me 5 or so hours. I can take my engine out about twice as fast. I just put my last spare shaft in, and I will re-do the boots from parts I have lying around. On a rainy day.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

 

[Mace]

Piggybacking on this. Is it worth it to spend the extra $100 bucks and just replace the CV's over replacing the boots?

 

[jgranthevagrant]

I now have a box of spare shafts, but that temporary repair is still going. I still hate going near the shafts, as it is pretty messy, no matter what I'm doing to them.