Rear outer CV Boot Replacement

[aussieboxy]

Can I replace the outer CV boot without removing the driveshaft completely? I’m thinking of removing the shaft from the gearbox, removing the CV & boot to get access to the outer CV Boot.

Is there an easier way to do it?

[JFP in PA]

Just take it out.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Just take it out.

Replaced all 4 boots last fall this way. If I can do it, you probably can too

[old911doc]

It’s possible, but it would be time-effective to take the axle out of the car completely. With the axle still in the car, your ability to place the new boot properly and tighten the band tightly is encumbered, thus making the task frustrating.
The big issue is the challenge of removing the large nut that retains the shaft in the bearing. It is torqued to 1.5 zillion foot pounds and so requires 3/4” or even 1” drive tools. I use a 3/4” drive socket, a 3/4” - 1” adapter, and a 5 foot long 1” breaker bar to loosen the nut. The torque you apply will risk knocking the car off the Jack stands, so it is best to do it through the wheel’s center bore with the car fully on the ground. This means picking up the corner with your Jack just so you can take off that wheel just to knock out the plastic cap, then put the wheel back on, lower it to the ground, and then finally attack the nut. It is a little bit repetitive, but then you can have your axle out completely to do a better, and less inconvenient job, on the outer boot - and the inner one for that matter. You do, of course, fit a new boot to the inside joint instead of putting the old boot back on.
Hmm…wonder if I can find a 1” air wrench cheap…

[Newsguy]

Did it. Wasn't that hard.

[Quadcammer]

Originally Posted by aussieboxy

Can I replace the outer CV boot without removing the driveshaft completely? I’m thinking of removing the shaft from the gearbox, removing the CV & boot to get access to the outer CV Boot.

Is there an easier way to do it?

done it this way, but its not ideal. remove the axle nut, spray some penetrating fluid in the splines, and hope it comes out.

When I later did wheel bearings, my axles came out no problem, so if I had to do it again, axles are definitely coming out.

[JFP in PA]

They are simply not that monumental to remove, penetrating oil, decent 1/2" drive impact and this, it comes right out:



Apply some anti seize before reinstalling and it will practically fall out the next time.