CV Boot Clamp Issues (1 Viewer)

[AppleTech]

Anyone else have issues with the CV boot clamps (factory type)?

The bend-on silver ones on the large tulip side won't clamp - they just dig into the boot and one of them actually broke when force was applied. I ensured the lip was seated properly in the channel.

The gold clamp-type ones I used a K-D 424 tool on - they are clamped but not evenly (one side is bent in other is straight) and they are nowhere near the .8mm clearance specified in FSM.

I'm considering just buying the screw-type ones but some have said it causes balance issues... help?

 

[AppleTech]

This is as far as this will go... the other I forced back and it broke.

 

[Muddy Bean]

The absolute best fix for this is the PFRAN boot clamp kit. I bought and installed one and solved my CV issues and that was 100,000 miles ago.
CV clamp kit (6 piece)

He's on MUD and is a great vendor here. He also sells cool LED interior and exterior light kits for our trucks.

 

[AppleTech]

Thanks - can those type be fully backed out so you can put them on once the CVs are on the truck? I'm in a bit of a rush to get the truck back together so I'm considering putting the axles in without the new clamps then just installing them when they come in, but that will only work if these allow you to open them up.

 

[willbt]

Yea, I would cut out the OE clamps and go with some mcmaster carr clamps. They can be put on without removing the axle shaft (just like any other hose clamp style band). I (like many others here) are running them on my front boots on my Cruiser and also ordered a few for my wife's Impreza that was slinging grease. No more issues after adding these, on both vehicles.

Edit: The Pfran kit is McMaster Carr... thought I should specify that so there is no confusion.

 

[od4x4]

The "gold" clamps always look like that. If you rock the tool as you compress it sometimes it will grab the other side and even it out. They are designed so one side is stationary and the other side slides and gets a bend in it.

The "silver" clamp is also very tight as it folds over. I have found that a little grease on the rubber under the clamp helps it to clamp evenly. It should compress the boot just a small amount and should not break.... it even sure how it could unless it was defective. When you try to move it that last amount you don't want to try to push the "v" back... you want to slide your thumb around (clockwise in your picture) to make sure it is seated and the lever piece should flatten out nicely.

The Pfran clamps will work well and many use them... BUT they are still a screw type and if you overtighten them you can damage the boots. My Toyota mechanic friend says they are great for repairs but recommends smooth clamps for the rebuild... that is what I did and I have 6000 miles with no sign of leaks. But to each his own... is you go with screw type just don't go too tight.

Tom

 

[abuck99]

The factory clamps that come with the reboot kit are best first option-use those. The worm drive clamps mentioned above are fine if there is no better alternative: reasons are they are slightly too wide compared to the factory clamp and , and they can easily tear the inner boot of over tightened, or the mechanism is oriented incorrectly.


Ensure the boot is seated in the groove of the tulip, and the silver clamp is positioned well in the channel of the boot. Fold the end down and use a punch to fold the retaining tabs securely to the clamp.

On the yellow clamp, depending on your band clamp tool, The plied type have 3/8" drive holes to add extensions into so that you can exert more clamping force. It is hard to get to the right gap spec but you can do it!

Good luck

 

[ton504]

I lube the backside of the clamp where it digs into the boot like Tom mentioned above. Press it down and hold it with something other than your finger so you can bend the flaps with a small rubber mallet or back of a screwdriver.

For the yellow clamp, my pliers have cutouts for 1/2 in ratchets to fit for extra leverage like abuck99 mentioned. But before you do that, use the special pliers to bend/straighten it out.