torn cv boot - axle shaft replacement?

[Chaser503]

Hello -

During an oil change, I noticed the inner CV boot was torn and had leaked all the grease out. My father in law runs a few shops and he suggested that I replace the entire CV axle (with boots / grease already installed), rather than trying to re-boot the axle. Has anyone used the following axle shaft kits with success?

More Information for EMPIRE 806309

Product Detail

Thanks!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Search, plenty of info. Short of it - non-OEM replacements often have issues. Reboot kit is $40 from Mud vendors, no reason not to reboot unless you like to spend money.

 

[DuckLN]

I know theyre expensive but if youre plan is to roll that cruiser for years to come i'd just default to oem.

On the other hand if the boot isnt torn some have used a grease needle to fill the boot and then used pfrans clamps. Much cheaper than anything else.

 

[Chaser503]

Thanks guys, this makes sense. I can get the OEM boot kit from Cruiser Outfitters in SLC for a great price. Looking into the pfrans clamps, are these it:

CV clamp kit (6 piece)

Thanks!

 

[NinjaFalco]

You might want to get new axle seals for the differential where the axles go in. You dont want gear oil leaking after you go through all that work.

 

[jcrandall]

fwiw, I was given the same advice, it appears that rebooting is more of a 'Mud angle while replacing the axle is more of a shop angle.
Depending on your frame of reference this is either a liability issue or an overcharging issue.

 

[ScubaJon]

I can see it from the shop prospective. Its the same amount of work and that is the expencive part of the job. So why would you not replace the axle. But the thing is most shops dont have a clue that the non toyota axles tend to not last on a truck that is ran off road.

 

[jemsec]

Replace with OEM rebuild kit(s) and replace axle seal(s) also OEM. To much effort to redo if it leaks. Don't set axle seals too deep or they will leak. Use screw clamps rather than the clamps included in the kit. You won't have regrets. Too many reports of success to have any doubts. No balance issues to be expected.

 

[DuckLN]

You can follow instructions in the sticky and do work. The cone washers can be burdensome but they will come out and beyond that make sure and have 2 aerosol cans of brake cleaner handy to clean the old grease out of the cv and you're there.

 

[Chaser503]

Thanks all for the replies. I'll read and re-read the sticky on boot replacement. Obviously will come back to this thread when (not if) I run into issues. Much appreciated.

 

[Chaser503]

Hi all -

I had a local shop install the OEM boot re-build kit, but after only 100 miles or so, it's leaking grease. I ordered the pfran clamps to re-clamp it, but am running into an issue getting the OEM bands off. How have you removed those bands? Side cutter won't seem to get through ...

Thanks!

 

[ScubaJon]

flat blade screw driver and pry open the 2 folded over tabs then you can pry the clamp up enough to get tin snips on it and cut it. You should be able to see where the 2 tabs fold over the band if not clean the grime off

 

[Chaser503]

Got it, carefully, with a cut-off wheel and drill.