sullivs

I found a few threads about replacing the CV joint boots in the archives, and wanted to summarize what I read for clarity. Is it true that they are a DIY project, and can be replaced by unbolting and removing the axles while the car is sitting in the garage? It sounds like it can be done with no special tools, except for the wrenches needed for the fasteners, and a capable torque wrench for reassembly.
Any comments?
Thanks,
Steve

Rob McConnell

Hi Steve

Not sure if it is a diy project, i think you need a puller tool.

I had my mechanic do it for a small fee, £60 ($100)

Rob W.

Hi Steve,

My CV boots need replacing soon so I too am interested to hear any comments.

One piece of information that I have been given by my independant is to spend the extra (substantial) amount of $ on genuine porsche items. Allegedly the aftermarket versions last no more than 10,000 miles whilst the Porsche items can last substantially longer. There is no record of mine being changed since new and I have 120,000 miles on the clock!!

Rob

Ruairidh

In case it is helpful I had my axle boots changed at my then-local Porsche service center in May 2001. Quote was $700 all in and came in a smidge under that

Labor was $380
C/V boot repair kits were 77.94 x 4 (p/n 928-332-924-02) which subtotalled at $311.76.

sullivs

Thanks for the comments and all. Any other suggestions out there from anyone who might have done this in the comfort of their own garage?
Thanks,
Steve

Olli Snellman

Nothing mysterious in this.Have changed joints/boots to several different kind of Porsches (carrera,C2,944,etc.)
It's DIY job and you can do it (if it's first time) in a weekend.If you need only change the boots (and relubricate joints) you can use boots from some other cars as well.Most german cars uses Lobro joints.For some reason Porsche Lobros cost much more than the same joints to other cars.I just bought boots for my 944 Turbo.They were same as BMW 750I.Porsche boots were 31€ (one boot)Similar BMW boots were 25€, all four !

Olli
'88 951

Von Kiser

Have you ever considered just buying a new axle or rebuilt axle? I bought mine from Vertex. Both the new and rebuilt axles have a one year warranty. Rebuilt axle is $150 and new axle is $194. They also charge a $80 core charge, but you get this back when you return your old axle. Last time I checked just a CV rebuild kit was around $100!!!

--Brian

sullivs

Not a bad idea, Von Kizer. With 90K miles on the car, I should have thought of that as an option. Especially since the new/rebuilt axles probably are assembled with the correct grease and new CV boots on them already.

Olli, thanks for letting me know that you have done that. I was concerned that some sort of special tool may have been needed. One of the old threads mentioned that the torque setting on those bolts was somewhere around 240 ft/lbs! It is not out of the question. But, I don't have a torque wrench capable of that. Heck, I don't know if I can even exert that much leverage in a controlled manner under the car!

Thanks again,
Steve