Replacing CV Boots
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Sheffield, MA
Replacing CV Boots
The inner CV boots on my 87 Carrera (G-50 trans.) are cracked and I am deciding whether to do the repair myself. I've reviewed the procedure in the Bentley manual and looked over a number of posts in the 911 mail list archive. Looks like the axle half-shafts have to come out to replace the boots. The only reservation I have is the removal of the rear axle nuts. I don't want to invest in a 3/4" breaker bar and socket for this one job.
Is it possible to unbolt the inner CV joint from the transaxle, drop it far enough to remove the inner CV joint and replace the inner boot without removing the whole half-shaft?
Mike Scott
'87 Carrera Targa
Is it possible to unbolt the inner CV joint from the transaxle, drop it far enough to remove the inner CV joint and replace the inner boot without removing the whole half-shaft?
Mike Scott
'87 Carrera Targa
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 185
Likes: 2
From: Tinley Park, IL
Mike,
It's possible to do the job like you described. I'm sure that's how some shops would do the job. Might have to wrestle a little more if you're lying on your back. Could get pretty messy under there too. The boot might be a little tough to get on the shaft with the axle in the car. Maybe have a helper hold the shaft while you put a little grease in the boot and push hard. Hopefully the CV joints themselves (and stubborn C-clips) will come off the shaft splines nice and easy for you.
The thing is, if you wrestle too much, you could tear the outer boot (assuming the outers are as old as the inners). My boot may have torn when I let the axle hang down too far when the engine was out.
I just bought the 3/4 in. stuff, a length of pipe and did all four boots to be done with it altogether. You're right though, don't know what i'll do with that 3/4 stuff now.
John Walker's Workshop says he's done the outer boots with the axle in the car. He's a magician I guess. How'd he get the boot clamps on???
It's possible to do the job like you described. I'm sure that's how some shops would do the job. Might have to wrestle a little more if you're lying on your back. Could get pretty messy under there too. The boot might be a little tough to get on the shaft with the axle in the car. Maybe have a helper hold the shaft while you put a little grease in the boot and push hard. Hopefully the CV joints themselves (and stubborn C-clips) will come off the shaft splines nice and easy for you.
The thing is, if you wrestle too much, you could tear the outer boot (assuming the outers are as old as the inners). My boot may have torn when I let the axle hang down too far when the engine was out.
I just bought the 3/4 in. stuff, a length of pipe and did all four boots to be done with it altogether. You're right though, don't know what i'll do with that 3/4 stuff now.
John Walker's Workshop says he's done the outer boots with the axle in the car. He's a magician I guess. How'd he get the boot clamps on???
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Sheffield, MA
Kevin,
That's a good point about possibly tearing the outer boots if the axle hangs down too far. I should probably just bite the bullet and do all four boots because you're right, they're all 14 years old.
Mike Scott
87 Carrera Targa (with sclerosis of the CV boots)
That's a good point about possibly tearing the outer boots if the axle hangs down too far. I should probably just bite the bullet and do all four boots because you're right, they're all 14 years old.
Mike Scott
87 Carrera Targa (with sclerosis of the CV boots)
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 185
Likes: 2
From: Tinley Park, IL
I did the complete axle swap as well (moved the driver's side complete assembly to the passenger's side and vice versa) based on what others have recommended/done. I think this will start the wear on the bearing hub in a new location, thus extending the life of the joints. You'll want to make sure the joints are in good condition before doing so.
[ 12-06-2001: Message edited by: KLehmann ]
[ 12-06-2001: Message edited by: KLehmann ]
