CV Boot replacment

[iX-treame]

What all does it take, who has done it or had it done and how much did it cost?

Conditions:
-CV Boot has started cracking
-I have the part(CV Boot)
-I went to get my Trans and Tcase fluid changed and they noticed it and said that to replace the boot you have to replace the axel?

Input please.

[pawi30]

doesnt sound fun

but i would like to see some pics

alot of them

[nando]

you don't have to replace the axle to replace the boot... lol

you do have to remove it though. that requires removing the strut housings, pressing the axle out of the hub (a FWD hub puller makes this part easy), getting the CV joint off the shaft (easily the hardest part as a DIY), clean, grease and put it all back together.

[iX-treame]

Yea thats why I was like what the fuck. But yea sounds like a bitch. Day project or take it somewhere?(Which I hate doing)

[nando]

get the tools you need together - circlip pliers, 4lb metal hammer, bench vise, hub puller, 30mm impact socket & breaker bar (with a 3 foot steel "cheater pipe"), and the rest of the regular tools required to remove the struts. You could accomplish it during the day unless you find you're missing something.

even easier, if you can get the axle out of the car, take it to an axle shop. There's one here in town I used to take mine too, they'd pop off the CV joint from the shaft for a case of beer no problem.

[Smatt90IS]

fuck it just take it to motorsport connections

[A Sucked Orange]

Okay guys, spent the last 2 hours trying to get one joint apart. Im spreading the circlip but I doubt it's getting out of the groove all the way round the bottom. Any tips before I lose my mind?

[nando]

Use a vice to hold the shaft while you tap on the joint.

[A Sucked Orange]

I am using a vice. Its not interested in moving.

Even went to the store to see if "female" circlip pliers existed, no luck though.

[Killacortes]

Take the shaft to a shop and have them do it. It's pretty cheap and saves you alot of messy cleaning

[nando]

they don't really do that around here. they'll pop it loose for free, but they won't clean it. it's not really worth paying for, once you actually get it off the shaft it's all gravy.

another option is to try to pull the clip out entirely. that worked for me once. also make sure you're using a heavy hammer, and hitting as straight as possible. I didn't even use a circlip plier last time, I used a flathead to spread it apart.

[audiquattrot]

Use a vice to hold the shaft while you tap on the joint.

bingo!!! thats how i did it. PITA, but i was able to hold it down on a vice, and tap out the joint when releasing the clip. Had help though. IIRC, i had a friend spread open the clip as i used a big flathead and tapped the assembly out and it broke loose. The clip came off. btw i didn't have circlip pliers. I was able to wedge flatheads/pliers in there and spread em (i forgot exactly the method). Should be easier w circlip pliers i'd imagine

[A Sucked Orange]

Were you guys tapping on the 6 point star shaped piece in this photo?

[nando]

yes