V8 CV Boot repl complete

[FBFISH@aol.com]

For those so inclined to "do it yourself" here are some lessons learned:
1)When procuring the replacement boot kit be aware that the kit comes in two
versions. One has a regular hex head bolt to replace the wheel bolt. The
other has a cap screw bolt which takes a 17mm allen head socket($15).
2) The manual suggests removing the track controll arm pin with a 5 foot bar.
This didn't work for me. I fabricated a tool using two sections of "C"
channel, a piece of 5/8" threaded rod and a 5/8" union connection nut. It
worked slick, and I did not damage the arm pin rubber bushing/boot.(contact
me for details on the tool).
3)According to the local AUDI parts man The front inside CV boots never fail
and in fact are not stocked. They do not stock the paper gasket for the
connection to the tranny either. This is important since it is not feasible
to replace the outer boot with the axle in the vehicle. So if you can't get a
new gasket be careful with the old one.
4) Once the axle is out of the car, you have two choices for replacing the
outer boot. you can press off the outer joint, or you can remove the inner
joint/boot. Since the outer joint looked like it was there to stay, I took
the circlip route on the inner joint which went surprisingly easy.
5) You will need a special tool to secure the boot clamps. The clamps, wheel
bolt(148 ft lbs + 1/4 turn) and grease comes with the kit.
6) The hardest part of the reassembly was reinstalling the sway bar rubber
bushing clamps.
6) Make sure the wheel speed sensor is pushed all the way in or the ABS light
on the dash will illuminate when you take the test drive.

I do have a question for the experts out there. Should I have the front end
realigned? The car drives fine with no noticeable pull.
PS thanks to all you folks for your words of wisdom, and special thanks to
unka Bart for getting me the manual. Frank Santoro(fbfish@aol.com)