CV Boot
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Ohio
CV Boot
hey guys, I was underneath my truck today changing the oil, and I noticed that my passenger side outboard CV boot is torn. Is there any easy way to fix this, or is it going to be a big dissassembly job like I'm dreading (Remove axleshafts)? Any help is appreciated.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,881
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From: Wake Forest, NC
For me removing the shafts are pretty easy, but its about the only solution. Split boots don't really work, and I woudln't shortcut something like that on my truck. If you choose to just replace the boot, I believe spicer makes a nice boot that is pretty cheap too. I paid about 11 bucks for my boot and it looks like oe (which btw are 124 each) except its not made of thermo plastic.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
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From: Kansas
You can get a replacement boot, but then you need a special tool to install it. There are two tools available, 1) is fairly cheap and doesn't work with a damn ($25). Driving through snow will remove the boot. 2) The Ford tool which I have been unable to obtain (note to Racerguy, where can I get this thing?).
Either way you have to remove the axle shaft to install it. That includes removing the inside boot and then reinstalling everything.
I have two half shafts sitting in my garage that are just waiting for the correct tool to firmly secure the boots to the shaft. In the meantime I went down to Ford and bought 2 new half-shafts since the rebuilt half-shafts were waaaayyyy out of stock.
You must get the correct tool that will firmly clamp the boot to the axle shaft or else you will be doing it again.
Either way you have to remove the axle shaft to install it. That includes removing the inside boot and then reinstalling everything.
I have two half shafts sitting in my garage that are just waiting for the correct tool to firmly secure the boots to the shaft. In the meantime I went down to Ford and bought 2 new half-shafts since the rebuilt half-shafts were waaaayyyy out of stock.
You must get the correct tool that will firmly clamp the boot to the axle shaft or else you will be doing it again.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Wake Forest, NC
I haven't had any trouble finding the clamp pliers, most general autoparts stores have them.
There are two kinds like you said, earless and ear type. There is also a style that is generic. The strap feeds through like a waist belt and then you bend it over and hammer the tabs over. You need a tool that has a pin with a slot in it to twist and tighten the clamp.
I prefer the ear type clamps personally, but some applications have clearance issues with them, so earless is the only way to go. Earless clamp pliers have two sharp points on the end to grab the small tabs on the clamp and pull it tight.
There are two kinds like you said, earless and ear type. There is also a style that is generic. The strap feeds through like a waist belt and then you bend it over and hammer the tabs over. You need a tool that has a pin with a slot in it to twist and tighten the clamp.
I prefer the ear type clamps personally, but some applications have clearance issues with them, so earless is the only way to go. Earless clamp pliers have two sharp points on the end to grab the small tabs on the clamp and pull it tight.
Last edited by aldridgec; Dec 4, 2003 at 06:32 AM.
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Junior User
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From: Ohio
well, that's great news 
Can somebody walk me through the process? I don't have a service manual yet, and I don't want to make the dealer any richer. It figures I'd find this AFTER my 30 day warranty is up by 3 days. As for the tools, can you rent them from autozone? I hate going there, but if it's a free tool, hey, I'm all about that. My buddy at the ford dealer may be able to get me the tool over the weekend. thanks in advance.
Can somebody walk me through the process? I don't have a service manual yet, and I don't want to make the dealer any richer. It figures I'd find this AFTER my 30 day warranty is up by 3 days. As for the tools, can you rent them from autozone? I hate going there, but if it's a free tool, hey, I'm all about that. My buddy at the ford dealer may be able to get me the tool over the weekend. thanks in advance.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Kansas
Originally posted by Racerguy
Dan are you talking about the tool for tightening the clamp?
If so most welding shops carry pliers that work for that. The clamps tighten the same way that some welding hose clamps do.
Dan are you talking about the tool for tightening the clamp?
If so most welding shops carry pliers that work for that. The clamps tighten the same way that some welding hose clamps do.
As far as 98 is concerned you basically are disassembling that side of the front end. Rotor and caliper come off, steering knuckle and axle shaft bolts are unbolted. I would recommend at least going to the library and looking at a manual on it so you bolt everything back together correctly. The hardest part may be getting the rotor off if it's rusted on. The driveaxle hub nut can be tough to sometimes.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Wake Forest, NC
They only get so tight. I should take a pic of the ones I have so we can determine exactly what is up!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
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From: Kansas
Cool idea. I may take pictures of the tool I have and the result they produce after a few inches of snow. One blasted tool wasted 3 hours of labor and $500 (because I had to do the job over and I had to buy the Ford half-shafts).
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Junior User
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From: Ohio
well, I got sunday off of work, so I'm going to try and tear into it. I'm hoping I can get my buddy to help me for at least a little while, and possibly get me the tool. Wish I had a heated shop to do it in, but I'll make do. I don't have coveralls for no reason. Do you guys think autozone rents the tool if my buddy can't borrow it?
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