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

[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.

[Triathlete]

Dub, sounds like you had a "fun" day also. I did a trans. filter!

[Ldub]

Dub, sounds like you had a "fun" day also. I did a trans. filter!

I hope that does the trick, & your "slightly slow in the head" light goes off...

I dunno which of us had more fun, both tasks are pretty messy.

[tom4bren]

"It's the area from where the gloves would end,(if I had any) up to about mid bicep that also seems to get a bit...ummm "tainted"."

I can relate. I must really get into my work because I had it all the way up to my shoulders & even some on my back where I laid in the 'nasty'.

[tomdietrying]

Billy, great job!
Peace.
Tom
012009

[bentcipher]

The independent4x site shows boot kit that includes 4 boots for $134.99 - don't see where it could be purchased separately.

I just need the two fronts to fix mine. Maybe get the whole kit anyway and just keep the other two as spare?

[taylorRichie]

Here's just a single boot

I just did my CVs a week ago, buy a box of rags Mileage varies greatly with different makes of CVs. Some have had good luck with the $15 Dormans, other's (me) they haven't lasted 500 miles. Some have had good luck with mecatechs, other's (Little Beast) they haven't lasted.

I'm going to try the high angle boots on this site:
http://www.offroadsolutions.com/955-04_tacoma.html

Next time I have to do my CV's, However, I'm not certain they're the correct diameters, or lengths... Just wishful thinking

[bentcipher]

You da man. exactly what I needed. I'll take two of those for now to replace my outer boots. I know people have done the all four at the same time but my inners look pretty solid. Based on the writeup, looks like a pretty straightforward install, besides, I'd like to see how the mecatechs hold up.

Thanks for the assist

[tom4bren]

bentcipher,

You have to remove the inners to replace the outers (if you're following the instructions posted in the How2 section). Removing those metal bands can cut into the boot. If you're not replacing the inners, be very careful not to damage them in the process.

Tom

[taylorRichie]

I've only had to replace my inners, never had an issue with my outters, though I did replace them on both sides for good measure.

[Ldub]

I've only had to replace my inners, never had an issue with my outters, though I did replace them on both sides for good measure.

Yep...I can't imagine tearing it down far enough to replace the inners OR outers, & not replacing the rest. Going through that much work & mess to save $40-50 bucks just makes no sense to me.

[superman]

I wish I would've come across this last week. I now have to replace the cv axle, the knuckle, the bearings, and a slew of other small associated parts.

[tom4bren]

The complete writeup including pix is in the how2 section.