CV Boot Replacement

[MacManRon]

I was looking over the mini to see if there was anything that needed attention before the mini50, and Surprise!!!! My right CV boot is split! I was on that "other" forum and read this:Quote: ( Im not shure what joint I have but ive done both left and right side boots and just undid the lard nut in the middle of the hub, top ball joint and pushed the hub assmbly down so the shaft comes off the hub (still in , in gearbox end) pull the pot/cv joint? off at the splinboot on then complete reverse for reinstall. works a charm over in less than 10mins with no rusty bolts or nuts )

Can anyone confirm this? Also, is this boot something special, or can one be had at a local auto supply store? I don't mind ordering one, but if there was an easier way I would do that, as long as the quality would be good. Thanks, quick responses are welcomed!! Ron J.

Anyone using these super heavy duty ones that Seven is selling???
www.7ent.com/detail.cfm?pageid=3323

[Alex]

If you pull the inner pot joint out of the diff, you can't get it through the hole in the subframe. To use this method, you either need to pull the driveshaft out of the pot joint (not easy in the car) or snip the tie on the rubber boot and split the pot joint. Messy, but quick and easy.

Once you have it all out on the bench, it is a LOT easier to pull the pot joint inner off the driveshaft and change the CV boot from that end. The picture shows the inner pot on the driveshaft, and where to (gently) chisel/punch it off.



I've never had any joy with using generic CV boots, though some folks do. We actually did a comparison at Unipart last week of the generics and Mini specific, and the proper ones have a lot longer tail on the CV end for good location and tying.

www.vipernoir.com/suspsubsteer/outer-CV.php are pretty good !!

[MacManRon]

I am wondering since I have the Hardy SPicer type, could I loosen off the bits up at the wheel, and disconnect the HS's at the trans. and then slide the boot on that way? Just wondering which would be more work!

[Alex]

Whichever way you do it, you need to have the CV out of the hub.
With a HS, I'd be tempted to undo the 4 bolts and pull the driveshaft - the HS comes off the end of the shaft the same way as any other inner joint enabling you to slide the boot on from that end.

I've just replace my CVs, and did it this way. For one thing, you can secure the driveshaft in the vice while doing up the boot straps, meaning they are more accurately placed and tighter.