Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

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sbwrench

New member
I tore the outter passanger side cv boot and its making a mess of my new LS1 brakes! Has anybody done this job? Just wondering how far I have to tear things apart. Do I need to seperate both ball joints or only the lower. How about the tie rod end? Suggestions for grease. Thanks in advance.

Al
 
Sy229

Sy229

Move with Purpose
Re: Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

I just swapped my drivers side recently. I did a search and reviewed the techniques from various board members. I tried the tie rod first, then the lower and finally the upper. In the end, I wasted more time trying to wedge the axle outta there then if I would've just separated all 3 straight away - They came apart easily and without damage to the joints or boots.
 
ty166

ty166

Donating Member
Re: Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

yeah you need to pop off the tie rod end upper and lower ball joints , thats the easiest and fastest way. if the cv joints not ruined from dirt and grit getting in the joint thru the torn boot just get a boot kit , it comes with the bands and correct amount of grease. moog makes a nice replacement boot kit. or like warmpancakes said a driveshaft shop wouldnt charge a whole lot to put a boot on, there is a special band tool need for crimping on the new bands , so his idea might be worth checking into.
 
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sbwrench

New member
Re: Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

Thanks for the tips. I got it done in about 1 1/2 hours from floor jack up to floor jack down. Quick over view:

Wheel off, brake caliper and caliper bracket off ( I have LS1 conversion-otherwise no bracket to take off). Rotor off. Three bolts that hold bearing carrier off. Spindle nut off- deep 36mm socket and air gun needed. Upper and lower ball joint off.

At this point cut the bands on the old boot and slide it toward the engine. There's a small retaining clip that needs to be opened up- small right angle pick- spread it open and slide the cv joint off the end of the shaft. Might want to index it first, I didn't and there doesn't seem to be any vibration-oops, hindsight.

Slide new boot on, easiest to put small inner calmp on now.Clean and grease cv and reattach with new clip- supplied in kit.Position boot and attach clamps. A good pair of side cutters or nippers will let you tighten the band clamp- no problem.

Reattach ball joints- use new cotter pins. Reassemble reverse of dissassembly.Thats it. Like I said about an hour and 1/2 in the driveway with the truck on a jack stand. Hope this helps somebody out. Thanks again for the input.

Al
 
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BacDoc

New member
Re: Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

Passenger side needs replaced. Getting a popping sound when I turn hard left. I want to do it myself (replace the whole axle) but I reallllllllllly don't want to have to mess with the ball joints.
 
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sbwrench

New member
Re: Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

Ball joints are a piece of cake. Take the cotter pin out and back the nut way off. Get a ball joint fork and a 5lbs sledge. Position the fork so you won't tear the boot and give it a few whacks. When it breaks loose finish removing the nut. You may want to support the lower arm with a floor jack but it's not a huge deal with the torsion arm style suspension.
 
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BacDoc

New member
Re: Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

Sounds easy enough. But there's the whole riveted in thing too.
 
Sy229

Sy229

Move with Purpose
Re: Replacing CV Boot- Any Tips?

BacDoc said:
Sounds easy enough. But there's the whole riveted in thing too.
Click to expand...


The rivets are not an issue since you're just separating the ball joint from the spindle, not replacing the ball joints themselves (unless you get crazy with the sledge) :(
 
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