Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
304 Manual Drive Trains and Axles
Install recommended
type and amount
of grease
Lock boot clamp
securely with a
suitable tool
Bend over
to lock
Boot clamp
A
B
Check boot length between
boot clamps A and B
(A) (B)
Tape measure
Figure 15-34. The boot clamps must be installed carefully.
A—A punch and hammer are used to lock the retaining tabs
over the clamp. B—This figure shows the proper method of
securing the clamp. (General Motors)
Figure 15-35. To ensure the CV joint has been reassembled
properly, some manufacturers recommend checking the installed
length of the boot. (General Motors)
Figure 15-33. Be sure to install the proper amount of CV joint
lubricant before reinstalling the boot and clamps.
(General Motors)
Unless you are working with a new vehicle, it is best
to install new boots whenever they are removed. Although
boots are inexpensive, installation is time consuming. Boot
removal procedures were covered earlier in this chapter.
Some replacement CV joint boots can be installed
without removing the CV axle from the vehicle. These
boots are split to permit assembly over the axle shaft and
the joint. Most boots, however, can only be replaced by
removing the CV axle.
The boot replacement procedure presented here
should be used as a general guide. Always consult the
manufacturer’s service information before replacing a boot.
Note: The following procedure assumes the
axle shaft and the CV joint have already
been disassembled.
If a boot is secured by one-piece clamps, slide the
small clamp onto the axle shaft before installing the boot.
Then slide the small end of the boot over the axle shaft and
position it as necessary. If the shaft is splined, protect the
boot by placing tape over the splines. Place the boot flange
into the groove on the shaft. Position the clamp over the
groove and make sure the clamp and boot are properly
aligned.
Several types of clamps are used on CV joint boots.
Some manufacturers use metal ladder clamps, which are
similar to cooling system hose clamps. Other manufac-
turers use rubber rings or metal spring clamps to hold
the boots in place. A common type of clamp is the strap-
and-buckle clamp, Figure 15-36. A special tool must be
used to install this clamp. It is important to avoid over-
tightening the clamps. Overtightening will damage the
boot and cause a leak.
After installing the small clamp, fill the boot with
grease as recommended by the manufacturer. Then, reas-
semble the CV joint.
With the joint reassembled, place the flange at the
large end of the boot in the corresponding groove in the
CV joint housing. Make sure that all parts are aligned prop-
erly and that the boot will not be twisted when the clamp
is installed. Finally, install the large boot clamp in the same
manner as the small clamp.
If the boot has wrinkled or kinked sections, smooth
them out by pulling outward on both sides of the wrinkle.
See Figure 15-37.