CV Boot Replacement...or how to save $1600!!!!

[tom4bren]

"there is probably a way to post it on here in the how-to section"

I'm sure there is but I couldn't figure it out in 12 seconds so I gave up.

[Ldub]

A couple quick thoughts while I'm on break...

It says on the can of brake cleaner: "use in a well ventilated area, known to cause cancer in the state of California" both statements made me glad I was in N.Dak...
However, N.Dak is apperently not THAT well ventilated...the label should also include: "known to cause mild mental impairment in the state of N.Dak"...
I somehow got it in my mind that combining a few loads of laundry, with CV boot replacment was a good idea...it's not.
These two activities shouldn't be done in the same WEEK...it's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.

[rowhard]

Wonder if it could just be moved over the 'Tips and How To' section

[Ldub]

Wonder if it could just be moved over the 'Tips and How To' section

That's where I found it in the first place...just had to tweak the search parameters to include "back to the stoneage" or something to that effect...

I only got one side done yesterday, due to my lacadaisical work ethic (started late, so made up for it by quitting early) the other side should be a snap...prolly this weekend.
So I guess I only $aved $800.oo on my first attempt.

[Triathlete]

That savings will ALMOST get you to Moab next year!

[LittleBeast]

One thing this doesn't mention is putting the ring that holds the inner cv in there back in before putting new inner cv boot back on with the inner strap.

I am ordering some mecatechs now, because the ones I got from Autozone, made it 3k miles and blew in half. Hope the Mecatechs are made better than those Dorman ones that didn't even make it 3 months.

[taylorRichie]

Hey Larry,

Can you tell me your approximate time to completion for one side, while being lackadaisical?

I'll add 25% and figure that's about where I'd land

[Ldub]

Hey Larry,

Can you tell me your approximate time to completion for one side, while being lackadaisical?

I'll add 25% and figure that's about where I'd land

I think if I had applied myself & stuck with it, about 3-4 hrs. on the first side, & 1-1/2 - 2 hrs. on the second one would be a reasonable guesstimate.

As it was, I took a lot of breaks, what with changing loads of laundry, talking to the nice older couple next door, the shapely sweet young thing that moved in upstairs (she actually wanted to look at my torn CV boots ) & just going about the whole project "hawaiian style"...:thumbup (translate that into about 6 hrs. total )

My attention seems to wander, & I look at all kinds of other stuff while I'm working under there.
I discovered a torn shock boot, trans. pan gasket leak, & a few other issues that will need to be addressed shortly.

As a side note, you will want to take about 10 full turns of tension off of your torsion bars to get the necessary suspension compression, when I tried to jack up my lower control arm, the frame came off the jack stand before the control arm moved.

Also, liquid wrench or PB blaster the day before on the 4 lower ball joint bolts & the torsion bar bolts is a good idea.

[Ldub]

Hey Larry,

Can you tell me your approximate time to completion for one side, while being lackadaisical?

I'll add 25% and figure that's about where I'd land

Finally got around to doing the drivers side today...this foray into the world of mechanical things only took me three hours, start to finish.

As mentioned before, I always take my time, have lots of coffee & smoke breaks, & generally look at how things work as I take them apart.
There is no "Indy pit crew" in my genetic make up...

One thing I did discover, that makes manipulating the assembeled inner knuckle/cage/ball bearings into place easier...remove the lower bump stop (two bolts) & you can swing the CV shaft towards the rear to get a better, more accessible shot at the snap ring. Makes re-assembly much easier.