CV Boot repair

[Huw Powell]

john at westcoastgarage.net wrote:
> urq wrote:
>> IME the OEM boot kits for outer CVJs where you need to shear the clip to pop
>> the joint out (e.g. V8Q) come with replacement bolts as well.  
>>
>> On the cars with the CVJs such as the V8Q I don't know that there's anything
>> to be gained by disconnecting the ball joint as you still need to remove the
>> bolt that holds the hub together to use it to shear the clip.
>>

>>   
>>>> Today when I was under the car, changing the oil, I noticed the passenger
>>>> side CV boot was wet and looked somewhat collapsed.  The axel was
>>>>       
>> replaced
>>   
>>>> about 40K ago.
>>>> So how difficult is it to replace this CV boot?  Do I have to remove the
>>>> axel?
>>>>
>>>> '90 80 non-Q

>>>>       
>>> Yes.  And you'll need to disassemble, clean, and repack the joint.  The
>>> boot kit comes with a new bolt, which you need to use.
>>>     
>> Wait, no.  If it's an outer boot you can do it "in situ".  You gotta 
>> drop the ball joint to get access, pull off the CV joint, clean, 
>> regrease, and reboot.  IIRC.  The boot will not come with an axle bolt, 
>> just some new grease.
>>
>>   

> You're right, of course.  However, I've found many people have difficulty
> working with the axle in the car, and it's easily removed.  John

As I remember more details... (did this a year ago, with new control arm 
as well)... loosen axle bolt slightly on ground.  Raise car.  Remove 
tire, remove axle bolt.  To get the axle spline part out of the hub you 
probably have to undo at least one suspension point, dropping the ball 
joint is the easiest, I think.  I was replacing the control arm so I 
pulled the ball joint out of the old arm after marking how far in it 
went.  With axle stub out of hub, run bolt back in to push the cv joint 
& stub off the axle proper.  Clean up, regrease and put new boot on - 
there is a special tool for tightening and crimping the metal rings that 
hold the boot on, various pliers might work.  Gently hammer CV joint 
back onto axle, reassemble all.

Thi job can be done *very* quickly by a pro or seasoned amateur.

> The boot kits for the cars with an axle bolt (rather than a nut) come 
> with the bolt.  In fact, the earlier boots come with the nut, as well.  
> If you're getting kits without the bolt, you're getting cheesy kits. 
> 
> John

I must have had a cheesy kit.  You guys are correct, of course, since 
those bolts are not supposed to be re-used.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/