How do I replace the FR CV Boot?

 

Jack up car, support with jackstands
Remove wheel on the side you need to work on
Remove axle nut (having someone stand on the brake pedal may be necessary at this point)
Disconnect swaybar endlink
Disconnect tie rod endlink
Remove ball joint nut, separate ball joint
Pull hub off of axle

At this point, you should be able to get to the boot without removing it from the car completely. It'd be easier to replace if you completely remove the driveshaft, but you'd have to drain the transmission fluid first. It can be done with the transmission end remaining in the transmission.

Cut old outer boot bands and boot off. Use clean rags to wipe away old grease and any dirt from the joint. It's FAR easier to take apart the tripod joint (closer to the transmission) than the birfield joint (out by the hub), but you have to take one apart. If you want to take apart the birfield joint, you're on your own. If it's to be the tripod joint, cut the tripod joint boot bands off, but don't cut the boot. Pull the joint apart, the boot will come with the shaft in your hand.

Remove the circlip in the tripod joint that holds the 3 rollers on the axle shaft. Slide rollers off, and remove the boot. Set all that in a clean place for later.

Fill your new boot with grease, and slide it down the shaft onto the birfield joint, and crimp the boot bands on. Zipties will work as a temporary fix, but that's so ghetto. My DSM roots are showing.

Once that's done, put the tripod joint boot back on, the tripod rollers back on, and then the circlip. Crimp on some new boot bands or go ghetto with zipties again.

Put the axle back in, put the hub back onto the axle, reattach everything, and refill your tranny if you drained it.

Done.

 

Thank you very much, do you know where the schematic is for this in the shop manual?

And about how long does this job take? Standard of course...I know I am not going to do it in the estimated time .

 

PM sent for schematic.

Figure a good couple-three hours for a first-timer. A seasoned vet would have it in about 45-60 minutes.

The only thing I will emphasize from my other post would be to keep the parts as clean as possible. Dirt in the joints will kill them quickly. Have LOTS of clean rags and a clean place to work available. Also, make sure you have the tool you need for the boot clamps. Some just need a pair of pliers, but there are others that require a special tool to clamp correctly.

 

sorry to revive this thread but i just ran into this problem today when trying to replace my front driver side axle shaft. found that the replacement axle had a tiny tear in it. I read ur (Myszkewicz) directions but it was a bit confusing. has anyone else done this with pictures to instruct with?

thanks