think i found some stock axle cv boots

[svtaddict]

So im looking for some boots because my inner boots have a tear. Tried dorman uni-fit part number 614-001 which are universal and are listed for 03 cobras in the Oreillys data base. These were a pain to get on and are really stretched out. I do not have any faith in these. I then read some of the instructions that came with the boot. These fit a shaft diameter of about one inch and cv outer diameter of about 3.50 and smaller. For larger than 3.5 inch it says to use part 614-003 or 614-004. After further research part 614-003 is for shafts about one inch and cv diameter of 3.5 and up. Part 614-004 fits shafts 1.68 inch and 3.50 inch and up. Our shaft size is 1.75 inches and outer diameter is about 4 inches i think this just might work. So i just bought a cv boot part number 614-004 on ebay and will be swapping the previous boot. Also inner cv joint is easy to remove. May even post a write up. You only need to remove one joint to do both boots. Hope this helps.

 

[svtaddict]

Well the first one is holding up during some pretty spirited driving. i received the new one in the mail and have some pics.
outer part is just about perfect diameter wise.

inner part of the boot is alot smaller than ours but this material is really stretchy. the boot im trying right now on my cobra has a diameter way smaller than this one on the shaft end so this one should work perfect on our cv joints.

hope this helps some of you that dont want to buy new axles just because of a torn cv boot. forgot to mention these come with grease and new clamps. i will do a write up of how to take apart the inner end of an axle. you can do both like this. its real easy. Dont do the hammering the cv off trick thats on youtube. Yeah my garage is a mess right now deal with it.

 

[oldmodman]

Any idea on where to order the special green, incredibly gooey factory grease for the CV joints?

 

[svtaddict]

i just used the stuff that came with the boot didnt know there was a difference. im sure i could find it with enough seat time with my computer.

 

[TXGTP]

how is the axle boot holding up??.. I am needing to do my outer passenger side with this part 614-004 work? thanks

 

[svtaddict]

Ok so i havent put the new boot on because the previous one is holding up fine. The larger cv boot will make it 1000 times easier to install. My father and i had to muscle it on and it took us about an hour. The bigger one looks like it can be done in five minutes
As far as disassembly ive been reading about people posting to just knock off the cv joint with a hammer. NOOOOOO you WILL break the wire clip or damage the axle shaft end.


First: Remove axle from car.
Second: Cut old boot and clamps.
Third: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! When removing axle end that inserts into center section be sure to wrap tape around the circumference of the bearing and housing if these little wheels pop out all your needle bearings will fall and good luck putting it back together.
Fourth: Now at this point people say to knock the bearing section off with a hammer. DONT do this. If you look closely there is a c-clip on the actual axle shaft on the inner side of this bearing housing closest to the opposite side of the axle shaft. Expand the clip just enough to slid it down the shaft towards the beginning of the splines as far as you can but not past.
Fifth: The bearing housing should slide down far enough to gain access to the wire clip on the end of the axle shaft. Use two small flat head screw drivers and remove it. Only bend both clip as far as you need just to remove them. Now your bearing housing should slide right off.
Sixth: Just slide your new cv boot onto the axle shaft. Then slide your bearing assembly back on, install wire clip on end of axle shaft. Then slide bearing housing back up over wire clip and you should have enough clearance to slide the c-clip on the inner part of cv joint back into its groove. Then just slap the axle end back on and apply grease as best you can to all the bearing surfaces. Pack it in good slide boot back over outer axle end and apply clamps. Make sure the boot end rest in its groove on axle shaft and apply clamp.

Hope this helps. i sure as hell cant afford new axles just because of a stupid cv boot. Also if you need to know how to use a cv clamp install tool please google it. I really dont want to write up how to use this tool it will be long and there are different tools for different clamps. Hope i didnt make it too complicated or hope my writing wasnt all over the place.

 

[svtaddict]

Yeah i think it will work they both look about the same size.

 

[TRBO VNM]

Actually, there are service manuals that call for knocking the bearing off. You can either knock it off or deal with the clips like you mentioned. Both processes work just fine.

Those that use a hammer, the trick is to first clean the bearings enough so tape sticks to them so they stay together and do not come off. You can use a rubber band as well. The other thing is to use a brass rod or other punch to hit the center section of the bearing assembly(not on the bearings or on the C-clip) and a dead blow hammer. The other clip that the OP removed is a spring retaining clip that is designed to "expand" and compress.

And to get the c-clips or also called snap rings, you get snap ring pliers to help remove them. Makes the job much easier than using screw drivers if this is the process you choose.

 

[svtaddict]

Ive heard of alot of people knocking them off with a hammer most of those threads have a horror story about braking something and having to buy new axles. Just trying to save someone a headache. A little extra work will eliminate all the risk.

 

[MG0h3]

If I install my FTBR kit this weekend I'll be using one of these and I'll update.

Thanks for the heads up on finding the boot.