Replaced CV Boots -- Couldn't Get Clamp Full Beans

[npolite]

Hi All,

I replaced the CV boots on the passenger side today for my sister's 09 Altima. I removed the inner joint and left it attached to the transmission.

While I think I was able to get the outer boot clamps on but I still struggled I think that went on ok. The inner one the OEM larger clamp must have been bent in transit and would not fully close. I was concerned that it may damage the boot if I proceeded any further. As I had some of the aftermarket clamps I put one on and used a jewelry plier hooked up to a larger plier to get enough to move it a little.

All of these clamps don't move but I'm concerned about the grease flinging. Do you think I should get something like this and try to get it a little tighter or should I leave it as is? Of course I don't want to over do it and damage the boot. I would appreciate any advice on this.

https://www.amazon.com/MSLANE-Clamp-Pli ... =8-34&th=1

[VStar650CL]

Those tools are nice for the toothed band clamps, but frankly the industry only uses them because it's tooled up for it. Kind of like hog rings for upholstery, they're prehistoric but they're what upholsterers are used to. A pair of polyester zip ties side-by-side will serve you every bit as well as any metal clamp, and has zero risk of harming the rubber. Just don't use nylon ties, even Nylon 12 is only rated for 175F. The best option is polyester-coated stainless, which is the best of both worlds.

[npolite]

Thank you so much. I didn't even know these existed. With these would pulling with a pair of pliers work ok? I wouldn't need a special tool correct? For the larger part of the CV should I get the 8 or 12?

https://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Polyeste ... 1_2?sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Supreme-Polyeste ... 1_3?sr=8-3

And at this point price is fine. I would rather spend the money to not have to take everything apart again My fingers are so sore.

[VStar650CL]

Yep, pulling with a pliers is fine. You just want the boot to be secure, there's no need to crush anything. I'm sure the big end will need at least a 12", but you can always daisy-chain two 8-inchers.

[npolite]

Thanks again for the help!

[VStar650CL]

[npolite]

Thanks again for the help. I had to use two of the 12" but couldn't figure how to get it tight enough, so I used the aftermarket ones and it seems to be holding. I found a video on how these work and you use a flat head to hold it while pulling the zip-tie; good to know for the next time.

I just checked after driving it for two weeks and noticed that the outer boot had a little grease seep out of the smaller clamp. I am guessing it needs a little more tightening. There wasn't a huge mess so I assume most of the grease is still in the boot but do you think I should remove the factory clamps and double check? I would have to replace them but could now use the metal poly zip ties, just not sure on the small one if the diameter would be good.

[VStar650CL]

Depending how well you cleaned the shaft, that seepage may just be grease that was squeezed out under the clamp and flowed when it got hot. Most folks don't realize how hot CV joints can get in operation, the grease in there pretty much turns to liquid when you've been traveling awhile. I'd hit it with some Brakleen and see if the seepage recurs.

[npolite]

Thanks again. It seems it was a little loose as it moved from the groove, I pushed it back and used a new clamp to tighten it up. I tried using the zip ties again but i couldn't get it tight enough even with a screwdriver holding the tab in place while using pliers. Hopefully everything is good now.