CV Boot Replacement (outer)

[l0nestar]

Alright here goes.

When Carl H and I were installing my R33 vLSD unit and R33 axles we noticed one of the outer CV boots had a large tare. We installed the axle to make sure everything bolted up, but did not tighten it. That was a few weeks ago and last week I removed the axle and had , what I thought, was the correct boot. (94- J30) The R33 GTS-T axles are Z32, not J30. (J30's have three large flat spots on the outer edge of the sealing surface for the boot, Z32 is a circle)

Got the correct boot (Z32) but cannot figure out how to separate the CV joint to install the boot. I sliced the boot in half and pulled it off, then wiped most all of the grease from the surfaces. I could not find the spring clip that is mentioned as well. I downloaded the Z32 FSM and was confused by some of the statements in it. (Begin on page RA-13 / 647) I'm really lost currently. I also do not posses a slide-hammer. *rolls eyes*

I was told I may need to removed the inner CV side and slide the outer boot on, then re-install the inner side, which is fine, but I just don't want to fsck up my joints and have to replace the entire axle, you know? all of this grief because of a torn boot.. argh!

Right now my status is this,I have the axle out of the chassis, outer CV boot removed, bands removed, grease cleaned away. I also have a new boot with bands and grease ready to install, just can't figure out how to get the CV unit separated to put the boot on the shaft and re-assemble. Sorry this has been kinda long-winded. Just frustrated..

Pages from FSM:

[Ramius83]

If you are trying to remove the outer CV joint from the axle, it is VERY easy, easier than you think.

Put the axle in a bench vise, with the outer CV joint facing downwards. Now, simply hit the back side of the outer CV joint away from the axle. It may take a few solid hits, but it will "fall" off. This is the easy step. Once you put the new band and boot back on, sliding the outer CV joint back on is tricky......

[l0nestar]

Ramius,

Then what is involved with getting the CV unit back together after it is separated? Use same vice to press it back together carefully and not pinch the bearings or race surface?

[Ramius83]

When you put the new small band on and the new boot, dealing with getting the outer CV joint back on over that C-clip is a PITA. Slide the outer CV joint onto the axle to the point that it now has to go over the c-clip. Then put a little force on the outer CV joint and press the c-clip in so the outer CV joint can slide over it. When you get to that point, you may have to use a hard rubber mallot to get that force to knock it over the c-clip.

The worst thing you can do is just HIT the outer CV joint onto the axle, trying to force it over the c-clip. Finessing it over the c-clip is the key.....

[l0nestar]

When you put the new small band on and the new boot, dealing with getting the outer CV joint back on over that C-clip is a PITA. Slide the outer CV joint onto the axle to the point that it now has to go over the c-clip. Then put a little force on the outer CV joint and press the c-clip in so the outer CV joint can slide over it. When you get to that point, you may have to use a hard rubber mallot to get that force to knock it over the c-clip.

The worst thing you can do is just HIT the outer CV joint onto the axle, trying to force it over the c-clip. Finessing it over the c-clip is the key.....

Okay, so when I actually remove the outer CV joint from the axle, I should see the c-clip / it should be visible? I cannot see it ATM with the CV joint still together. Just wanting to make sure. Never messed with a CV joint before (obviously..)

[Ramius83]

Yes, when you remove the outer joint, you will see the c-clip. It is about 1 inch or so in diameter and it is about 0.5 inches from the end of the axle. You cannot see it right now because it is resting inside a groove in the outer CV joint. Just hit the back side of the outer CV joint a few good times and the c-clip will release the outer joint from that groove.

[Shocker]

yeah, z32 boot worked no problem from me on my r33 half shaft.

Btw Z32 shafts are not r33 shafts. The driver side is about 2mm to long when fully compressed.... Ive tried it wont work. From what I have found there is no USDM shaft that is short enough for the driver side that will fit.....