How To Replace CV Shaft Boots - The Complete Guide

In this video I show the process of replacing the boots on front (or rear) CV shafts. Not a bad process but it sure is messy! -Enjoy!
Lisle 30800 CV Boot Clamp Pliers: amzn.to/2L17T7l
OTC 4623 CV Joint Banding Tool And Cutter: amzn.to/2XmlZqH
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Lisle 30800 CV Boot Clamp Pliers: amzn.to/2L17T7l OTC 4623 CV Joint Banding Tool And Cutter: amzn.to/2XmlZqH

[@wala2730]

Top tip for securing the clip while trying to insert back into the CV joint - Place a cable tie around the clip and tighten to push the clip into the groove. Place the CV joint onto the shaft and start to knock in. The cable tie will hold the clip in to enable the shaft to slide in easily and the cable tie will slide up the shaft. Once shaft is fully inserted you can cut the cable tie off.

[@Glenn7719]

Came here to say same, as its something i picked up on doing them, as that little clip could be a bitch sometimes.

[@bobbymaeger3478]

Good tip

[@TheKajunkat]

Vinnie cracks me up, classic old codger. "parking lot full of cars, all your doing is painting". You got to love small towns.

[@robertgray6512]

This one time... at band clamp...

[@zakkb.5028]

You had me fully into subscribing with "whacking off the shaft" is the pearl of wisdoms I got from the internet today!!

[@blademansw]

Last time I did a CV boot must have been back in the early 2000's. I was following the Haynes manual instructions on how to separate the joint from the drive shaft. "Using judicious tapping, remove the CV joint from the shaft." Real world translation... Beat the shit out of it with a brass drift and a lump hammer ;-)

[@iandamianluciferwilson7385]

Blademansw. Been there, done that. And when I was laying on the floor in a pool of sweat and panting like a 10 stone boarder collie I noticed a split ring. How to make a grown man cry. That was many years ago and it still haunts me to this day.

[@blademansw]

@@iandamianluciferwilson7385 Hahahaha, I feel your pain :-)

[@RickP654]

@@iandamianluciferwilson7385 Maybe you should have cleaned the ackempucky and gave it a quick cleaning first. Best use for a Haynes Manual is the wiping of one's ass.

[@paulparoma]

@@RickP654 Not a good idea to wipe with paper that has something printed on it. The ink may leave residue, which will be absorbed transdermally.;)

[@ppaulppaul2810]

@@iandamianluciferwilson7385 happenend to me today. but after one hour of tapping I decided to have a second look on youtube. god bless the internet.-

[@livetoinspireall2755]

Just bought a used Element in which the passenger inner boot had a pinch hole. This is my second encounter of struts being replaced and the shop not protecting the CV boots when they removed the old struts or installed the new ones. Now I can take it apart, clean, and install new Honda CV boots and band them myself thanks to your detailed video. Thanks again!!

[@hansjansen7047]

Check the comment about the cable tie ! I saw Eric struggling to get the shaft back into the axle end.

[@DD-DD-DD]

I've used tile nippers to close those kinds of CV clamps. Had em from a bathroom remodel.

[@hansjansen7047]

I think a pex crimper would work too.

[@ratbert86]

Wow, I didn't think any shops bothered replacing boots anymore. All the ones I deal with just want to chuck a new axle in it. Good job Eric!

[@phil2156]

Probably because the price of the labor to re-boot the joints far exceeds the price of the entire new axle. How much money do you want to spend?

[@1337penguinman]

Most dealerships do, at least under warranty. Manufacturer doesn't want to pay for the whole axle.

[@bobweiss8682]

Not fully rebuilt until you pack it in a cardboard box that reeks of weed.....

[@throttlebottle5906]

HEMP BOXES ftw.... same reason they used it by the tons long ago vs wood...

[@SimpleLife1971]

"I'm thinking this guy is someone we might want to keep around!" Marie has quite a business mind! LOL

[@miguelitomarcelli5692]

I just wanted to thank you for doing this video, you are very easy to follow even though you was talking to someone but what I wanted say is you have made me very happy, especially fixing the drive shaft on the cv axle when everyone told me it couldn't be done, I was determined to find out if there was someone who can help me out and here you are showing me how to, actually I just bought the cv joint (axle) acouple of weeks ago and now I will put it back together, I'll be watching out for your video, thanks again.

[@wdhewson]

Double OCD. Space those tabs at 180 deg for balance!!

[@MortifiedU]

bahaha I thought the same thing, I mean there is like 0.001 of a gram there right. :-p

[@nickolaguez]

I had the same thought haha

[@joncooper9966]

No, no. Four clamps should be 90 degrees apart.

[@franknewling1139]

Ditto!

[@mattmanyam]

@@joncooper9966 #TeamJonCooper

[@richardcranium5839]

last time i seen bambi it was in a dark place with flasing lights and a pole in the middle of the stage lol. that was one expensive movie lol

[@chevychase3103]

Barbie was not a cheap movie either! The cost was one house one wife two kids and the dog!

[@peterhol3]

Every mechanic favorite job !! And i never replace the snap ring, because once you get the CV joint on , you will never get them off again next time.

[@BillSW]

can u explain why this causes it

[@Klperformance68]

Thanks for showing the struggle of putting the new boots on and not editing it out.. glad I wasn’t the only one.. 😂💯

[@patrikfalk5684]

I like it when you and miss Marie talks about every Day things during videos. You two are fun to listen to. Thanks for your awsome content. Regards Patrik from sweden

[@1995jug]

Great job Eric, glad to here Vennie came in I know what he has been thru first handed thanks for his service.

[@brettzink]

I'm already looking forward to the Hondoo video you'll have to make now. Thanks Marie for booking that!

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Mr Eric, you are the cleanest mechanic I have ever seen. Miss Marie, Bambi is a great movie! I remember when it was new!

[@CopCat34]

Great video. Have to love those pictures with directions. Pictures are the universal language. Thanks for the details on the snap rings and showing when to use brass tools. A true technician knows a hundred movie 🎥 lines.

[@greggreen1139]

Eric, love the videos from all you big guys in the shop. I know you don't do WuW during the busy season but during my time as a technician I used your videos both to keep my mind sharp and as motivation to keep going. I fell out of the shop world and now work in semi conductor industry, I'm happy as a clam and now work on only friends and family vehicles and my toolbox is safetly nestled away in my garage, but my point I'm getting to is I know I'm not the only one in that realm. Younger techs undoubtedly will look at you like I did, with your videos with Josh, ms.marie and hannah and the like you are a motivational individual. Maybe a video describing what to expect, cost of getting into the field, dos and donts and most importantly what you would do if you were entering the field in today's day and age trying to make it. more and more speciality tools are needed, scan tools are becoming the number one tool besides your ratchets and electrical understanding is a necessity. It can be over whelming, it was for me.theres a huge generational gap in the field and I feel a lot of people are at a disadvantage because of that. For me, I changed oil for years, went to tires , then to B level stuff. When interviewing for higher paying jobs I was stuck getting offered either going backwards due to no manufacturer certifications back to oil changing until they sent me to school or Indy shops trying to hire me as lead tech which I was not comfortable doing because I want to be able to set up my junior techs for more success than myself and not just hold a job title, I had more to learn. So when put into the vice I felt stuck, either go backwards career and pay wise (not smart with a family) or go into a job I didn't feel qualified for yet and had the possibility of loosing that job so I went semi conductor, great pay, tools included, training is of utmost Importance and though my story won't match some, I feel in today's world it'll match enough. I would make a video, but nobody would see it. Lol. Just an idea to support some younger ladies and gents wanting to follow in your footsteps. Just some content ideas from a good ol boy from arizonas farm lands. Thanks for all you do wish there were more of you in these shops.

[@thomas316]

I like these more "instructional" style videos. Useful to those of us playing along at home!

[@lawrenceanderson6167]

I believe those clamps are called stepless clamps. you should orient them 180 degrees from each other so the crimp part is not in line with each other. This is so you don't get vibration when at high speeds like 200+ MPH

[@kevinritchie9227]

God knows we dont need any chowdered balls...lol.

[@Autofixpals]

lmao. We sure don't.

[@xX_Kryptis_Xx]

Oh $hit i didnt check my balls! 😁

[@richardcranium5839]

ya gotta take your boots off before you can check them lol

[@troyphillips8607]

I got A pair

[@gbowne1]

dunno somebodys godda do it lol

[@vizualizeit08]

Hey Eric , long time subscriber here, still love all your content and thanks more for making vids. The auto community appreciates it!

[@dennisbranum719]

For the style of clamp that was used on that vehicle they used to be (in the olden days) referred to as the “GM style” clamp and the tool was also referred to as the “GM style crimping tool”. I’m old people and remember when CV joints and front wheel drive vehicles were a novelty.

[@eltonyancey6426]

Olds Tornado?

[@theakh4238]

I never disassemble the outer. I do both boots at the same time. The inner pulls apart, then there is a snap ring and the bearing carrier usually slides off, or comes off with light tapping. Sometimes there is a snap ring on the cup itself. Then just soak and clean the outer while still assembled. To get the outer boot on, turn it inside-out. Slip the outer boot onto the axle shaft from the inner end, slide the boot down and flip it back to right side out.

[@scottyakoubian9238]

I admire how you can work and have a G-rated conversation without cussing. Impressive.

[@296newman]

I had NO idea that the snap-ring position had anything to do with the re-installation of that #$*@ CV Axle, And I have done MANY replacements, all on European cars, and just got lucky, I guess, but on every one I got to practice some great cussing before that shaft finally stuck in place. Thanx for the assist! Fortunately, my "Mrs. O"is a maker of fine furniture in the basement of our OLD house, so she only has to endure the red words occasionally. In my opinion, you are the best KZbin mechanic on the channel. I have been a vehicle and aircraft mechanic since 1963. Man, didi I HATE the transition when OBD II became the law!

[@gplusgplus2286]

I think this is the best cv boot video on youtube. And don't forget, buy plastic not rubber.

[@tommyj19751]

Did mine. Didn't have special tool for clamps. Ended up using worm gear hose clamps. Put adjustment screws on clamps 180 degrees from each other for balance. Worked like a charm with no vibration from front end.

[@johnrewijk8371]

Like the NASA sticker on the tool box. Only option is victorie . A way of getting there ! Greetz John.

[@geraldfields8802]

I needed this video back in the 90's, when I owned three Hondas. There was always one with a broken boot.

[@kbob871]

Always love your videos one of my first reboot jobs I had a set of highly used horse show nail removers they were highly worn, I used them to tighten clamps instead of buying snap on bandtigheners

[@williegillie5712]

Here I was told cv joints don’t go bad unless the boot leaks or rips. I guess I haven’t been around enough of them. Nice to hear Vinny

[@mikechiodetti6737]

I've never seen both boots replaced together in any videos before. Nice Job! Hope it will last many miles.

[@giorgiobrown9811]

Always cracks me up when you say WHOO! Very entertaining video Mr. O.

[@hamsan78]

A Man who loves his work.

[@brianmason1414]

Beautiful work bud! I have both CV boot clamp tools as well. Mainly use the on steering rack bellows anymore honestly. Don't think I've replaced a CV boot itself in probably 15 yrs, easily....lolol... again, great detail job!

[@joecoleman7666]

That was the closest we've come yet to a tool box tour! I did not know Marie was a painter too! Good to hear from Vinny again. Tks for sharing the boot replacement, if I ever need to do one, I'll just wait for the shaft assembly to be ordered. :)

[@Yawwee]

Quite the messy job there, with cleaning and applying grease and oozing it into the boots, it's quite a chore !!! This was a superb job, start to finish, you have the makings of a proctologists assistant !!!!! Well done !!!!!

[@techdude30]

Thanks for the video well done 👏 I am planning on changing the outer boot on my 2006 Volvo XC90 and this video is a great help .

[@ddacombe4752]

Thanks for the video, SUPER helpful after I just finished replacing the outer boot on a 2012 ML350 where the replacement half shaft is around $1000. Keep up the great work. I would never have guessed how the CV joint came off otherwise.

[@thinman8621]

Lots of opportunities to re-boot on off road stuff. Good video. Thanks!

[@patarmitage2250]

Late to the party but I am really enjoying your channel. Changing boots brings me back to the K-car days when we used to change the boots every 5000kms got some reason.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Ahhh...old school boot replacement & lube 😎 I've got Lisle, KD and Knipex CV pliers and the Knipex with dual side & top crimpers I love.

[@phillippowell3847]

I always used to use my Dad's carpenters pincers to tighten up those clips but you are soo right the ones tha need the wings closing over are a bit of a chore (massive understatement). I was also disturbed by the juxtposition of the mention of VHS tapes and making sure ones shaft and balls were well lubricated.

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video and repair - thank you! SMA#1 God bless Paul

[@Bekim8310]

Awesome video as always Eric! Pretty much the same process for ATV axles too.

[@chomerly]

I'm liking the sound of that Honda with dealership work done on it that Miss Marie was taking about. Possible future video?

[@LMacNeill]

I was thinking the same thing -- definitely want to hear more about that car and that customer's experience with the dealer$hip.

[@janhoppenbrouwers8341]

yup, me too. Sounds like an interesting vid.

[@williambell9068]

It is nice the way you always welcome Vinny!

[@fistmeetsurface]

Subscribed for the real mechanic vibe and anchor man reference

[@klwthe3rd]

I remember a time when repairing these shafts was the norm not the exception. I miss those days.

[@Mark-vc7rm]

I did not know you could replace the boot. Learned it. Good stuff!

[@Mark-vc7rm]

Jason Dodge , Time will tell.

[@langer24106]

I’m loving the ‘Hondoo’ sticker in the background!

[@MultiDriverman]

I'm glad you're bringing back the "k" in k-nife!

[@mikeberry304]

Great job Eric , don't you just love it when the replacement boots are dog tight , drop them in hot water for 10 mins, nice n soft and stretches over joint easier , hate the metal clips , always a pain in the arse, plastic zip ties on many cars in the UK, we use stretch boots for outer joint , saves stripping shaft with the clip being a hand stabber , have used a small house clip before to clamp clip tight on shaft , then tap tap , joint on fixed undo clip and save for next job

[@65bugnut]

I always wondered how to do this, thanks.

[@handyandy7706]

"A cherub like demeanor" LOLOLOLOL. This brings back a lot of memories. Back when I used to do at least one of these a day because axles were $250 a pop.

[@mrb1864]

oh man I been doing this today , now you going show me how do it properly lol . is easy job really but indeed bit messy . Plenty shop tissue and tidy working practice if want stay clean . Only buy quality boot kits, cheap either poor fit or short lifespan . Beats buying junk complete aftermarket driveshafts which tends be common practice these days ...

[@AN-kg4ei]

Shocked that with all that grit those bearings weren't roasted. Great job! Lots of reasons to RE/RE with a new one whenever possible.

[@jamesbruno5896]

Sweet video, thanks for sharing Eric!

[@Oufg103f]

Great video, we need to see Marie's painting 😉

[@tiporari]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who struggles with those stupid clamps. Hate those things!

[@TheCitroenman1]

hear in the uk we have stretch boots that fit over the knuckle end by using a plastic cone and lots of grease it's a easy job insted of stripping down the drive shaft

[@kevinburns5762]

That snap ring is just like my life.....stuck in the groove 😂😂

[@andrewdeming5285]

I use Oetiker clamps all the time in the brewery for beer and gas line. You did a nice job lining them up.... but they’re pointing in different directions.

[@williammchugh3659]

I worked for a company that rebuilt those half shaft from the mid 90's to the early 2000's. I have done many just like you are doing with the exception being we usually disassembled the outer CV joint to check for wear on the inner races and bearings. I don't think any companies do anything but re-manufacture entire half shaft assemblies. I guess it's cheaper in the long run just to put in a new half shaft than take the time to reboot one.

[@gabrielwilliams7552]

Looks just like my honda cv axle. I learned something today, thankyou.

[@spelunkerd]

Nice to see this done, you never know when it will be worthwhile. I've see some guys use plastic ties in place of stainless bands, but after a few years the white plastic ties will get brittle and fall off. Also plastic expands a lot in warm temperature so I was surprised to see them used. Stainless is the way to go.

[@red2965]

Then there's hose clamps

[@Glenn7719]

Ive used cable ties on the boots before, never had any issues with them failing. That was before i had the CV boot tool.

[@phprofYT]

SMA videos releasing in the early evening EDT? The world is not ready for this!

[@zx8401ztv]

The satisfaction of a job well done :-D. I've seen people use cable/zip ties on boots, but some countrys have stricter rules than others.

[@d46512]

Does that work reasonably well? In Ontario driveline is generally not a safety issue. Mainly lights, brakes, steering, suspension, windshield cracks, etc. I suspect this applies in NY too.

[@ryanmg92]

@@d46512 depends, if you get a big enough cable tie that you can put enough tension on then it's fine. In the UK it just has to be secure, and not allowing the ingress of dirt/water

[@LMacNeill]

I love the variety of stuff that you publish on this channel. Everything from major electrical problems that take forever to diagnose, to a "simple" CV-shaft reboot. (Nothing's *ever* truly simple, though, is it?)

[@emcque]

I'll be honest, it was great seeing you struggle nearly as much as I did doing the same job on my niece's blazer a couple of years back. I decided at that point that I would not do it again if I could avoid it.

[@scottmackenzie5736]

awesome work Eric

[@florenciomendez8139]

Great video really liked the real time hands on and your perverseness.

[@stevesweet2567]

I have owned many FWD Ford's so this a well rehearsed sequence for me :)

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great job again like always

[@alexandercahoulan6583]

thank you...from an ocd viewer

[@MrMDee-si1bz]

Great vid! Thanks for sharing! Dude! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@hanktray]

As much as I hate working on cars, you make me want to do it more

[@marty0715yt]

I believe Marie could carry on a conversation by herself all day long!!!

[@ricardiagnostics]

Why still have not like your videos Eric? Can’t understand that oh well never mind, love all the videos Thanks for all here from the other side of the pond 🇬🇧

[@patarmitage2250]

@NAPA not a sponsor makes me smile everytime.

[@RickDominick69]

This brings back the memories of my first prostate exam

[@stevenewman3185]

Glad to see I'm not the only mechanic with uncooperative parts😂😂

[@moaziz413]

I manage a parts store and the last time I ever sold a cv boot was in the late 90’s. New cv axle with lifetime warranty is around $60. Watching this brings back memories.

[@sadokbarbouche9427]

Not on the Germans their about 1100 bucks

[@nigelstringfellow5187]

Excellent stuff Mr O..Thank You..Cheers from downunder..

[@waynegouin939]

Hi Eric. Nice video. Hell yes ive replaced lots of cv boots. The last one i did about 1 month ago. Chrysler Sebring, drivers side outer, did it on the vehicle, peice of cake. revved up yooper. P.S. i use the wind up style banjo clamps, i made a tool that works perfectly, but bought a nice lisle one too.

[@Technaci0us]

Excellent excellent work my friend

[@upallnight888]

Free Tip Tuesday. I just get the outer CV joint started on the axle and and the axle nut on the CV joint, with both hands holding the cv joint and axle I just I smack it on the concrete slab. Work first time every time.

[@GCraigmile]

Back in the 80s I would do 2 or 3 or more CV boots a day!! Have not did one for over 10 years and my tools to do them are ???? Lol.. Great Video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@dreamfries]

My FAVORITE Movie's are Twister and Signs. watch em atleast 20 times a Year.

[@deespasojevic3013]

I love twister it's so good especially for it's production date

[@franksgarageandcustoms8321]

I havent re-booted in years. I flat out refuse to do it. I would rather discount a new shaft with warranty than change a boot. The mess is one reason. The flying chunks of steel when trying to beat them a-part. Got a chunk of steel in the cheek years ago,before i wore glasses and never wore safety glasses. I did a price comparison new/rebuilt vs rebooting. Not worth the money saved. Did i mention warranty? All the power to you ,Buddy! Have at er. Some people have more patience than others.

[@MrJKCampione]

I'm definitely with you on that, however he does mention in the beginning of the video that he will typically not reboot either. He's only doing it this time because the replacement CV shaft was too difficult to find.

[@TheObersalzburg]

I'll replace an outer boot with a Quick- Boot on the car (Hippo from Italy makes good ones). Inner boot, no way. If I have to remove the shaft, I'll change the shaft.

[@bobbymaeger3478]

Cv axles don’t cost much and by the time I add labor time and price of correct boot for vehicle “universal boots suck” it’s better to wait for new cv axle assembly. But if I’m working on my own vehicle and I can get boot made for vehicle I’ll install new boot. Good lesson for those who have never installed boots. I’m an old tech. I can tell you went to the school of hard knocks. Keep doing what you do. Old mechanics can still learn from other techs.

[@ipissed]

Back in the day I installed a lot of those universal split boots. I changed my number and peeped out the blinds so much everybody thought I was a crackhead. They finally got me on tax evasion and I wound up in the same cell as one of my victims. When I fell asleep he split all of my socks right down the middle lengthwise. Life lessons are weird sometimes.

[@benjaminstockton3917]

Nice video Eric O. You get just as much grease on you doing cv joints then you do working on a big trucks thanks for video's

[@F6HemiCharger]

VHS and cassette tapes were the days! 😂 Kinda miss the 90s.

[@Deviant365]

I had to do the outer CV boot on my beater car recently. Packed it with grease and used a glue together type joint. PITA to get started but saved tearing everything apart.