CV Joint Replace or wait? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

airedale2 · #12 03-06-2009, 10:12 AM

For those wondering or contemplating a cv boot replacement and have been putting it off due to lack of tools, today i replaced the inner and outer boots without removing the axles from the pumpkin. I also did not have to remove the differential mount. The axle left in place gave me the leverage to put the new boot on. The axles have enough play in them naturally to pop out of the splined mount on the wheel and when turned while removing will come out. You will need to have your car jacked up with the wheels at their full extension. Then disconnect you sway bar to work with the axle above the wheel. Make sure your car is properly braced because you will be pushing sideways on a jacked car and you do not want it topple over on you. You could remove the differential mount bolts for extra space, without removing the diff cover, but i did not need to.
Instead of yousing a flex astoria gun or 30.00 dollar tool, i went to autozone and purchased a 3.00 dollar long black funnel trimmed about an inch to fit the can on the axle. This worked very well when lubed with oil. I do not think i would use soap as it has properties that break down oil.
I also used the inner boots by dorman on both inner and outer joints as these went on very easy when lubed. The recommended outers were too tight and still had to be trimmed. The inner are a bit larger, and fit snuggly over the can for an air tight fit with the clamps. I used the supplied lube and added some more bearing grease to top it off. I did not remove all of the remaining oil in the joint as it will mix with the grease and bring the viscosity of the grease down. I dont think i would use oil considering the possible of the joint and that the grease will take up any slack.
My current joints have 288,000 miles on them and still seem intact with no scarring. I also replaced my boots as soon as they tore. I also have another vehicle to drive as some may not. I hope this helps, it took me about 3 hrs to do both sides not accounting for beer and cigar break.