axel CV boot made easy - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Cervan · #1 11-16-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

So what size boot is required for the axles on our cars? I would like to attempt this also, before my boots break and I need new axles.

Mine are still in perfect shape, not a sound from them. I'll probably order an extra boot or two....just to cover any accidents...

And, for the lube grease, can you get/use the original stuff (oil) from MB? Or do you have to use something else?

I just used cv joint packing grease, i probibally would inject some synthetic oil into the boot after i was done. the passanger size boot will fit.

pawoSD · #2 11-16-2007, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cervan

I just used cv joint packing grease, i probibally would inject some synthetic oil into the boot after i was done. the passanger size boot will fit.

You said you did it without removing it from the rear end? How? Did you leave it attached to the wheel hub or differential? I'd consider this, but it probably gives better leverage to slip the boot on with it out of the car....

I noticed on diesel giant's site he used the bigger Truck/SUV (astoria 3001) boots rather than the smaller car ones (3000). I bet this helps too. Looked like they fit great on his installation....

I need to figure out if I want to tackle this....or if I should just wait till I have to.....my boots have "looked" like they will fail for 4 years....it could be 4 more...or it could be 4 days. Who knows. The reason I want to do it is that I know the axles are in good shape, and the astoria stuff is cheap enough for it to be worth it. I'd probably also put in a new differential mount and seals....

burford · #3 11-16-2007, 11:36 AM

I used the flexx tool. It works great but I found the grease supplied wasn't enough. I needed to add extra cv grease. The FSM suggested 300 or 350 grams I forget exactly how much. Please use more grease.

Cervan · #4 11-16-2007, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

You said you did it without removing it from the rear end? How? Did you leave it attached to the wheel hub or differential? I'd consider this, but it probably gives better leverage to slip the boot on with it out of the car....

I noticed on diesel giant's site he used the bigger Truck/SUV (astoria 3001) boots rather than the smaller car ones (3000). I bet this helps too. Looked like they fit great on his installation....

I need to figure out if I want to tackle this....or if I should just wait till I have to.....my boots have "looked" like they will fail for 4 years....it could be 4 more...or it could be 4 days. Who knows. The reason I want to do it is that I know the axles are in good shape, and the astoria stuff is cheap enough for it to be worth it. I'd probably also put in a new differential mount and seals....

i left it attached to the differential. but i will tell you this much. it is waaaay easier to remove the joint from the diffrential and hub and get it out of there to do this. it is immensely hard to push these things on. http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?video_id=F17tFS6ofzU&eurl=http%3A//mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php%3Ft%3D205346&iurl=http%3A//img.youtube.com/vi/F17tFS6ofzU/default.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskJwgdffyfdOj0a_m7zEyk6f&rel=1&border=0

pawoSD · #5 11-16-2007, 07:08 PM

I think I will give it a try sometime in the next few weeks....I'll order the boots from somewhere after thanksgiving and get prepped for it.

I am still betting its a little easier with the bigger boots (3001 model) than the small ones....I'll be getting the bigger ones.

What is the best grease to use in there? Any best brand or anything? Can the oil still be had from the dealer? What do they sell?

Cervan · #6 11-16-2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I think I will give it a try sometime in the next few weeks....I'll order the boots from somewhere after thanksgiving and get prepped for it.

I am still betting its a little easier with the bigger boots (3001 model) than the small ones....I'll be getting the bigger ones.

What is the best grease to use in there? Any best brand or anything? Can the oil still be had from the dealer? What do they sell?

there isnt enough grease in the packet to fill the can. so i would suggest some mobile1 synthetic grease or some synthetic oil shot into the boot with a needle after your done. (thats what mercedes used) i wouldnt suggest getting the bigger ones. as they will be monsterously big and wont flow the oil and grease back to the joint as intended. allthough i belive the effort involved will be minute if any change between sizes. Oh and one other thing. i would suggest zip ties to hold the boot in place, yes i said zip ties. they last forever and they wont fall off. go to your nearest home depot and pick up a few of those "double lock" ones and zip em down tight to your can. they last forever and are half the trouble as the metal ones.

pawoSD · #7 11-16-2007, 07:34 PM

I think I might use stainless zip ties....they have them at harbor freight.

As for the boot size....if you fill the whole boot up with synthetic oil do you need any grease at all? I was thinking if you put the boot on, clamped the part by the can, and then poured/injected a ton of synthetic oil into it from the smaller part of the boot by the shaft till it was full, then zip tied the shaft end shut.....wouldn't that be good too? Then there'd be a ton of lube in there. And when saying "synthetic oil"....what weight? Gear oil? Or a normal 5w40? etc...?

Cervan · #8 11-16-2007, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

I think I might use stainless zip ties....they have them at harbor freight.

As for the boot size....if you fill the whole boot up with synthetic oil do you need any grease at all? I was thinking if you put the boot on, clamped the part by the can, and then poured/injected a ton of synthetic oil into it from the smaller part of the boot by the shaft till it was full, then zip tied the shaft end shut.....wouldn't that be good too? Then there'd be a ton of lube in there. And when saying "synthetic oil"....what weight? Gear oil? Or a normal 5w40? etc...?

i would say a good 40 weight. you want it to be thin enough to reach all the nicks and crannies, but not so thin that its just water sloshing around in there. 30 weight would probibally do just fine.