I am in the process of replacing the front CV boot on my 996 C4, I am stuck at where the universal joint is. Any idea how to remove the joint so I can slide on a new boot? The ripped CV was located at the hub end.

I can see there is a clip that's on the spline, I have tried to squeeze the clip or open it, neither way doesn't allow the universal joint to come loose. The only thing I can think of would be a puller to pull it loose while the clip is spread open?.

Any idea?

 

You have to open the circlip to allow the axle to slide out. You have to try to "center" the clip while you have it open as far as the access slot allows. I had a helper tap it with a brass punch/hammer to help it release.

 

Thanks for your response, that's was exactly what I tried to do... no luck. I guess I need to try harder.

Thanks

 

How did you make out? Can you slide the boot off the other end?

 

when i did mine on my boxster, i only disassembled the joint that is on the right on your top pic. I think it was pretty difficult to do the left side of the axle. So i cleaned it out the best i could.

 

Robin,

A couple of years ago I had the same issue on the right rear of my '04 996. The dealer replaced the entire right rear axel, under warranty. I don't know if the repair was "over kill" because it was a warranty repair item or if they could have replaced only the CV boot. Apparently it is not easy to replace just the CV boot, as you have found out.

 

It's done, new CV boot installed on the hub end.

It is exactly like what fpb had said. You have to spread open the circlip as far as possible and center it prior to opening it. And brass hammer the **** out of it.

 

I'm attempting the same thing. How did you get the other end off? I see comments about tapping the metal plate off, but I'm not sure if it's from the inside of the joint (not easy to see where to tap) or prying it off from the outside.