Ripped CV Boot Easiest Fix?

[yc4runner]

I just noticed yesterday that my passenger side CV boot for my 4wd is ripped all to heck, so whats the easiest way for me to replace it, i dont really wanna take it to a shop and pay labor on something i can probably do myself. So what all do i need to remove to access the boot, by the way its the boot closest the inside of the vehicle.

 

[Jed]

The axle has to be removed to replace a ripped boot. If you're a novice, you might want to get an experienced mechanic to help you.

 

[TechWrench]

I just noticed yesterday that my passenger side CV boot for my 4wd is ripped all to heck, so whats the easiest way for me to replace it, i dont really wanna take it to a shop and pay labor on something i can probably do myself. So what all do i need to remove to access the boot, by the way its the boot closest the inside of the vehicle.

You have to remove the axle from the vehicle in order to dismantle it to replace a torn boot. While it is dismantled, it would be a good idea to clean the joint and put new grease in it. And as long as you have the axle apart, you should do the same with the outer boot/joint. If you don't know how long the boot has been damaged, and what damage excess moisture might have done to the joint, it might be easier, and better in the long run to just replace the entire axle. It would take much less time, be a lot cleaner, and you will have a warranty with the replacement axle.

 

[ABooker]

Just go ahead and replace the axial. All the work is getting it out to begin with. Don't waist time working on boots unless you are really desperate to save a few dollars. This job takes nothing special but a little elbow grease and time. Here's a write up that also works for the 4th generation.
Toyota Maintenance: CV Axle Replacement on 3rd Generation 4Runners and Tacomas
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/21354-diy-mods-post-write-ups-here.html

 

[MBRunner]

CV Axles

Like everyone else is suggesting, it's safer to just go ahead and replace the whole axle. With a ripped boot there is all sorts of debris inside now and if it's not all removed it will just cause problems later down the road. If your truck isn't under warranty anymore I'd suggest buying some CV Axles from a local auto shop (I went to Advanced Auto Parts). They were a lot cheaper and offered me a lifetime warranty on them, whereas the dealership was a couple hundred dollars more and would offer me no warranty.

 

[mochoajr]

You might consider replacing both axles or boots. When one of my boots ripped and I have an '04, I went ahead and did both.

 

[drapaki]

Just go ahead and replace the axial. All the work is getting it out to begin with. Don't waist time working on boots unless you are really desperate to save a few dollars. This job takes nothing special but a little elbow grease and time. Here's a write up that also works for the 4th generation.
Toyota Maintenance: CV Axle Replacement on 3rd Generation 4Runners and Tacomas
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/21354-diy-mods-post-write-ups-here.html

just did replaced my cv boots this weekend and I wanted to add that the writeup helped but there is a little difference for the 4th gen. there are only 2 bolts near the ball joint holding the hub on the suspension instead of 4 (step 17). also, I found it much easier to get the axel off after taking the skid plate off. Toyota specs those two bolts to 115 ft.lbs torque.

do yourself a favor and get c-clip pliers. toyota put some really heavy duty hardware on these trucks and I broke my small screwdriver trying to get the c-clip off. Somehow I managed to not stab myself.

I don't think putting the jack on the control arm is nescecary.

I didn't have to undo the swaybar or stearing ball joint. I pulled on the break line a bit to get the axel off the hub (be careful!) but everything was fine.

Also, the outter boot size is bigger than the 3rd gen's. Therefore it's a different kit (found out the hard way, on Sunday when the parts department was closed.. doh)


i'm glad I did it once. next time, if I can find a reman Toyota axel, i'm going to swap them out. Getting the boots off/on and cleaning the gunk is too big a pain.

 

[theizzardking]

on this note, anyone just run a 2-piece quick boot for a short term fix? i was thinking about doing this as i want to go to some chromoly cv's this summer and don't feel like doing the whole procedure just for a few months of wear...what say you?

torra talk about them
Torn cv boot? Quick fix - TTORA Forum

 

[drapaki]

go for it. CVs can take a beating and will last a long time. as long as you're sure that they're gonna be tossed, do it. You might even be ok withouth the bandaid....

I did this temp fix on my Aries a long time ago and it ended up being a permanent fix!

 

[theizzardking]

Ya , on my last truck I had 20k on torn boots before they started to click , then I hit a massive puddle and that made them quite again , lol , at that point I decided to just replace them , but was impressed they ran for so long with basically no grease in the joint !

 

[mikebontoft]

all four boots on mine are torn. haha.

 

[drapaki]

clicking when turning = long life left

clicking when going straight = gonna fail soon!

 

[ToplessTT]

on this note, anyone just run a 2-piece quick boot for a short term fix? i was thinking about doing this as i want to go to some chromoly cv's this summer and don't feel like doing the whole procedure just for a few months of wear...what say you?

torra talk about them
Torn cv boot? Quick fix - TTORA Forum

Anybody found one of these for the inner front axle? looks like it would save a lot of time!!!

 

[Brookey_813]

I just noticed yesterday that my passenger side CV boot for my 4wd is ripped all to heck, so whats the easiest way for me to replace it, i dont really wanna take it to a shop and pay labor on something i can probably do myself. So what all do i need to remove to access the boot, by the way its the boot closest the inside of the vehicle.

I use to rip CV boots all the time on my 2001 4Runner. I bought these Marine grade CV boots and they never ripped again. I had a mechanic install them and they were fine. I bought them from here: High Angle CV Boot Kit (ORS-HB201) - Tech Info - Off Road Solutions. Best decision I ever made. They are called High Angle CV boots. Because of the stress of the angle the factory ones can't handle it. Good luck!

 

[4rFrog]

I use to rip CV boots all the time on my 2001 4Runner. I bought these Marine grade CV boots and they never ripped again. I had a mechanic install them and they were fine. I bought them from here: High Angle CV Boot Kit (ORS-HB201) - Tech Info - Off Road Solutions. Best decision I ever made. They are called High Angle CV boots. Because of the stress of the angle the factory ones can't handle it. Good luck!

Damn I need some of those, I wonder if they are the same ones CVJ uses?