CV boots - the easy way

[j.fro]

A couple of years ago I had to replace the CV boots on my 2000 S, so I followed the Porsche/Bentley instructions which say to pop the two ball joints on each side of the rear suspension. Even using the proper tool, it was a pain, and I ended up ripping at least one of the boots on the ball joints. To top it off, with the joints separated, you still really have to muscle things around to get enough clearance to get the splined end out of the hub and pull the half-shaft.
Today, I started doing the same job on another car. After having a look, I decided to drop the catalytic converters and see how much space that gave me. Bingo! the shafts came out, no problem, without ANY suspension disassembly. Less than half the time, less than half the work.
I know the CV boots are an issue on our cars...hope this helps someone else get the job done a little easier.
Cheers