CV Reboot Tutorial with Boot Stretch (80+ Pictures)

[y=mx+b]

So I finally did it. Just on the passenger side. Now I want to do the driver side to be even lol. But its fine for now. The whole process took me some time since I was taking breaks and going slow. Im sure the next time will be much faster.
I had to do the knuckle seal too because for some reason it was torn and the little circle spring came out with the axle.

5th gen boots.

Nice work dude, looks good! Appreciate the pics too, those will really help for people to compare the 4th and 5th gen inner boots!

 

[rayoo]

Tackled this and the CV replacement this weekend. (Thanks for the detailed writeups y=mx+b :thanks: )

Couple of questions:

1. I swapped out the inner/diff side boots (kept the outer/knuckle side boots as is). I 200% need to stretch, correct?

2. I did the reboots with the factory setting where there's a small "notch". Is the consensus to pull the boot past that? Any potential leaking problems with that?

IMG_20220109_165706.jpg - Google Drive

IMG_20220109_165657.jpg - Google Drive

 

[y=mx+b]

Tackled this and the CV replacement this weekend. (Thanks for the detailed writeups y=mx+b :thanks: )

Couple of questions:

1. I swapped out the inner/diff side boots (kept the outer/knuckle side boots as is). I 200% need to stretch, correct?

2. I did the reboots with the factory setting where there's a small "notch". Is the consensus to pull the boot past that? Any potential leaking problems with that?

IMG_20220109_165706.jpg - Google Drive

IMG_20220109_165657.jpg - Google Drive

Thanks for the kind words!

As far as boot stretching, looks like you're running those longer red boots. Since they're rubbing, I'd probably recommend stretching them. For the one I stretched, I pulled the boot (actually pushed it with my hand inside the boot) past the factory slot and used one of the worm drive CV clamps to clamp it good on the axle. They're similar to regular hose clamps, but their edges are rolled to prevent cutting of the boot. I had one little issue with it not sealing in the beginning, but that was because I only tightened it with a screwdriver. I went back and tightened it further with a 12v impact and it hasn't leaked since.

 

[rayoo]

Thanks for the kind words!

As far as boot stretching, looks like you're running those longer red boots. Since they're rubbing, I'd probably recommend stretching them. For the one I stretched, I pulled the boot (actually pushed it with my hand inside the boot) past the factory slot and used one of the worm drive CV clamps to clamp it good on the axle. They're similar to regular hose clamps, but their edges are rolled to prevent cutting of the boot. I had one little issue with it not sealing in the beginning, but that was because I only tightened it with a screwdriver. I went back and tightened it further with a 12v impact and it hasn't leaked since.

Got it boot stretch done without a hitch, thanks for the tips!

 

[y=mx+b]

Got it boot stretch done without a hitch, thanks for the tips!

Excellent!

 

[TLChip]

Tackled this today, the lock ring pliers in the first post made easy work of ring. 5th gen boot kit and eBay clamp set. Simple job, have plenty of rags and don’t be scared to use them.

 

[y=mx+b]

Tackled this today, the lock ring pliers in the first post made easy work of ring. 5th gen boot kit and eBay clamp set. Simple job, have plenty of rags and don’t be scared to use them.

Looking good! Thanks for sharing the pics!

 

[Toyota Dude]

Rolled edge cv clamps?

For the one I stretched, I pulled the boot (actually pushed it with my hand inside the boot) past the factory slot and used one of the worm drive CV clamps to clamp it good on the axle. They're similar to regular hose clamps, but their edges are rolled to prevent cutting of the boot. I had one little issue with it not sealing in the beginning, but that was because I only tightened it with a screwdriver. I went back and tightened it further with a 12v impact and it hasn't leaked since.

Thanks for the excellent writeup. Where did you find "rolled edge" worm style clamps? Seems like all the ones at the hardware store are square edged and have some tabs under the worm gear that look like they could cut the boot....

 

[Toyota Dude]

I chose to not stretch the outer boot, since its a better material and I was worried about the boot straining at full steering lock.

Thanks again for the writeup. Have you found the outer boot has held up without performing the boot slide mode on the outer boot? I have not seen anyone mention sliding the outer boots, but it seems there is some slight rub of the baffles, although definitely not as tightly pressed together as the inner boot. Thanks again.

 

[rdruss]

Thanks for the excellent writeup. Where did you find "rolled edge" worm style clamps? Seems like all the ones at the hardware store are square edged and have some tabs under the worm gear that look like they could cut the boot....

Probably have to Google them and order online.

 

[y=mx+b]

Thanks for the excellent writeup. Where did you find "rolled edge" worm style clamps? Seems like all the ones at the hardware store are square edged and have some tabs under the worm gear that look like they could cut the boot....

The rolled edge worm clamps, as well as all the other parts, are linked on the first page. I used these specific ones: Set of 8-Toyota 4Runner CV Axle Repair Clamps Kit, Leaking Boots after Lift Kit | eBay

Thanks again for the writeup. Have you found the outer boot has held up without performing the boot slide mode on the outer boot? I have not seen anyone mention sliding the outer boots, but it seems there is some slight rub of the baffles, although definitely not as tightly pressed together as the inner boot. Thanks again.

The outer boots are a more plasticy material vs the inner boots more rubbery type material. The plastic outer holds up much better to the baffle parts rubbing than the rubber inner, so stretching wasn't really necessary.

I've put about 40k miles on these axles since rebuilding and replacing, and they've been holding up great!

 

[Toyota Dude]

The rolled edge worm clamps, as well as all the other parts, are linked on the first page. I used these specific ones: Set of 8-Toyota 4Runner CV Axle Repair Clamps Kit, Leaking Boots after Lift Kit | eBay

The outer boots are a more plasticy material vs the inner boots more rubbery type material. The plastic outer holds up much better to the baffle parts rubbing than the rubber inner, so stretching wasn't really necessary.

I've put about 40k miles on these axles since rebuilding and replacing, and they've been holding up great!

Thanks much for the replies.

Think those 9mm wide clamps from ebay will just barely fit the boot channel on the 1st gen Tundra but it seems 9mm is a little wide, although the rolled edges might help. OEM clamps are 7mm I think. Can put a couple ¼” wide ⅝” $.99 hose clamps from the hardware store together that seem like would make a nice “balanced” ¼” wide replacement (opposing worm assemblies). But they don’t have rolled edges.

Like you without trustworthy Toyota axles to rebuild, was able to find remanufactured axles from Toyota @ about $77 each (with core trade-in of old ones). For reference: this was part #434300c01084 for 2003 Tundra AC 4x4 (can add '84' to the end of Toyota part #s to see if there is a remanufactured version for other vehicles).

Remanufactured Shaft Assembly Front 43430-0C010-84 | Toyota Parts

So could retain factory axles at just a little more than the cost of the reboot kit but with boots already installed. The inner/outer boots on these axles seem to be the same material, not plasticy like the 4th/5th gen 4Runner. The inners definitely need stretched. The outers also seem a pinched though like in this photo of someone else’s truck (especially at turn lock) so look like th outers need the BSM too.

https://twstatic.net/attachments/img_1603-jpg.4899989/

If the BSM mod doesn’t stay just relying on the clamp to hold it in place, then will need to do the internal circlip mod next.

Sounds like you never had to do the internal channel spacer?

How has the wire tying held up? Got a pick of the final product?

Thanks again.

 

[keiieong]

Thank you!

I really appreciate this in-depth write ups for noobs like me.

 

[Unner]

Anyone have issues with the 5th gen boots leaking? I've done 4 separate 4th gen axles (two 4th gens in the family) in the past 3 months and 3 of them are leaking. The 4th only has ~700 miles on it and the other 3 probably have 2000-5000 miles on them.

They're all leaking at the large clamp on the inner boot just ever so slightly. I used the Toyota clamps instead of the worm drive ones, but I bought the special Toyota tool and got the clamps really tight and within Toyota spec.

I have some of the rolled edge worm drive clamps I can replace the Toyota ones with, but figured I'd ask before I go and cut off the other clamps and replace them.

I did not stretch any of the boots either since both 4Runners are stock height.

 

[Magiriano]

Yes, the 5th gen inner boot is more like the outer boot. Same material, thinner finn's than the 4th gen boot. I stretched mine a bit and have not noticed any rubbing (3" lift). Might be interesting to look in the 5th gen section to see if people still have torn boots. I just assumed Toyota changed the design for a reason and went with it. Time will tell how it holds up, so far so good.

I have a 5th Gen (2022) 4Runner TRD PRO, lifted and on 33's.
I was leaving for Baja Monday morning January 29th, and since the weather was cold that week, I waited until Saturday Jan 27th to rotate the tires.
Just as I was about to finish, on front driver's side, when I pulled the tire I saw the torn inner boot.
I was able to find a CV Axle and replace it on time to be able and leave Monday, but, in the process, I damaged the yoke seal, which I couldn't find anywhere, couldn't even get the part nber fir it anywhere so I went with it as is.
At my return from the trip, I had to leave for Europe within a week for another 3 weeks, and ordered the CV Axle kit($210CAD) as well as the yoke seal, which was a special order.
They just arrived earlier this week, and I've completed replacing the inner boot.

Question for you people, have you experienced any issues with leaks after stretching the boot, I'm debating doing it, right now, and crimping the OEM crimp, as I hate the idea of a hose clamp, since they can both snag on things as well as come lose..

Lmk please.
Thank you kindly.
Alex

 

[Oberbürgermeister]

Anybody know if part number 04427-60131 is the same as 04427-60133?

The links on the Toyota site seem to redirect to the 2024 4Runner version.