CV Joint Boot - Walkthrough

[Dookie]

Had to replace a torn CV joint boot a few weeks ago and figured I'd take some pics.

1. Pop the center cover of the wheel, pry the piece of metal from the nut up inorder to break the center nut.
2. Break the center nut of the drive shaft. Use a strong air gun if you have one, otherwise use a long extension bar like I did.



3. Take the wheel off and jack up the car.
4. Remove the 4 bolts attached to the strut.



5. Place the jack under the rotor to hold it in place.
6. Disconnect the bottom arm. It's alot easier to remove the upper bolt than to try to pry the joint apart, which could damage the boot joint.



7. Make sure the strut is free and clean, then slowly jack up the rotor. The lower control arm should seperate from the house, if not, give it some love with a rubber malet.
8. Once the control arm is cleared, slowly pull the rotor outward toward the steering rod side.
9. Take a hammer and start tapping the outside of the drive shaft pushing it through the center of the rotor housing. Once out rest it on the control arm for now.
10. Take a strong flat head screwdriver and wedge it inbetween the trany and the drive shaft. Give it a few tugs and the drive shaft will pop out.
(Note: You don't have to drain the trany to do this.)
11. Take out the drive shaft.

[Dookie]

Disconnecting the CV joint.

12. Pull the metal ring from the inside edge (1)
13. Pull the retaining ring from the end of the shaft. (2)



14. Take each rollers off and remember what end shaft they belong to, just to be on the safe side. Then slide the roller housing off the shaft.



15. Slide off old boot and clean out the old grease using only a clean towel. DO NOT use any cleaners as it can damage the bearings.
16. Slide new boot on, reassemble the CV joint.
17. Pack the CV joint housing with new grease.
18. Connect the boot to the housing and clamp the two ends of the boot with new boot clamps.
19. Reinstall the drive shaft in reverse order, making sure to fully engage the trany side drive shaft until it locks into place.
20. Have a nice cold one when completed.

Hope this helps.

[TSi+WRX]

Sweet!!!!!! Great walk-through! Thanks!!!!