Flexx Boot Axle Repair Using Cone - Page 6 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

whunter · #76 05-24-2010, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

will the dorman tool fit over the MB axles? it doesnot look like there is room for the axle to fit in...

I am buying one this week to verify.

tobybul · #77 05-24-2010, 06:02 PM

I still have the Astoria cone... if you read this entire thread, it works well even with a Dorman boot. From my experience, I found the Dorman boot more sturdy. I'm sure the Astoria boot will work just fine. I ended up replacing it with the Dormans that I got from AZ because the Astoria got pinched and tore as I was reinstalling the axle. Its just the way the Astoria accordions. The Dormans do not accordion as much.

The Astoria cone is about $20 IIRC from Astoria. For the frequency the job is done, I can't justify the gun.

C Holmes · #78 05-24-2010, 06:17 PM

Well, Where can I buy boot/cone? I do not want the air tool I have only one to replace.

TnBob · #79 05-24-2010, 08:56 PM

The Dormans should be available at Advanced Auto .. or just google them.

Astoria boots are available directly from them. Toll free # on their site.

http://www.astoria2000.com/main.html

There are at least 2 Astoria's for rent here with mine being one of them.

whunter · #80 05-24-2010, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Holmes

Well, Where can I buy boot/cone? I do not want the air tool I have only one to replace.

http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/products.cfm?categoryID=5419

http://www.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=cv+boot+cone+tool&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Diesel911 · #81 05-25-2010, 12:05 AM

Astro Pneumatic CV Boot Installer Kit.

Astro Pneumatic and Astoria are different companies.

I have one of the Astro Pneumatic CV Boot Installers but have never used it. It is difficult to measure the OD of the Axle when it is on the car but the Inside Diameter of the Cone does appear to be slightly smaller than the Axle so without some mod the Cone is not going to slide over the Axle CAN.
But if I remember correctly the OD of the Cone is slighly larger than the CAN on the Axle.
I got it here
http://www.toolrage.com/prodview.asp?sku=AST-7831

C Holmes · #82 05-25-2010, 05:26 AM

Any of these ship to Canada I wonder. Will anyone that rents ship to Canada?

tobybul · #83 05-25-2010, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Holmes

Any of these ship to Canada I wonder. Will anyone that rents ship to Canada?

CH, I believe there is only one way to find out..... looks like all the contact info has been spelled out....

rs899 · #84 05-25-2010, 07:40 AM

The Dorman gun will work with the MB axle.

85chedeng300D · #85 05-25-2010, 04:50 PM

heres a video of replacing a CV boot using a cone:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F17tFS6ofzU

whunter · #86 05-25-2010, 08:32 PM

astoria2000video1.avi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8XNahsND5w

dieseldan44 · #87 07-26-2010, 10:52 AM

Thanks for this great thread!

I am prepping materials (Im going to use the Dormans) to try to minimize downtime.

Can I get a cone at AutoZone/Advance/Napa? I called Astoria but they said I could just make something up and didn't want me to waste my money paying for shipping.

dieseldan44 · #88 07-27-2010, 10:34 PM

Got my Dorman boots. Got a cone at autozone.

Can I get better CV boot straps at autozone? The ones that come with Dormans are the solid style that folks in this thread say suck. I dont want to install ones that suck :-)

musikpal · #89 10-16-2010, 07:39 AM

I used a long funnel that I got from Schucks years ago n it work fine as long as it & the boot r soaked for a few minutes in hot water (I made it hotter than my hand can stand in it more than a few seconds). The troubling area is at that inch or so of the narrow part of the boot so u should fold it in half or so to get a good grip. U also wanna make sure that the cone is well submerged (I submerged 3/4 of the cone in a tall stock pot) n that both the cone & the boot r submerged in plenty of water so they get enough heat transfer to. Don't allow them to contract by submerging them too long(remove it once the heat of the system began to subside). Work quickly while they r still hot & flexible. As long as there will b enough room, 3 people might make this job easier, one hold the axle, one pull on the boot n one help pushing boot down from the top. And of course lots of lube.

One thing I wonder is no one here mention about Doorman's outer boot that will never fit(too big). I ended up using the inner Doorman boot also for the outer joint. I'd say just get Febi, I saw that it has the same original design, 21$ @ Cars Part Discount. I bought 3 or 4 Doorman products and 2 of them didn't fit(the 1st flaw was its upper control arm). No more Doorman for me.

azitizz · #90 12-18-2011, 10:06 PM

Does this technique apply to rear axle boots as well. I may be a little dull, but I cant seem to get a clear understanding of how the boots are being handled with the cone in the pictures and description. Are they being shoved in from above and squeezed through the small opening? Or is the cone only used to push them through the can? Or over the can?

I have a replacement FEBI boot kit for a rear axle 85 300TD W123. It also came with a new can. Is it worth replacing it as well? any DIYs that include that process?
Thanks all
EDIT: I just read this persons DIY: http://boostnbenz.1baddsm.com/DIY/CVboots/

Im wondering now about an axle replacement. Ive been driving on a torn boot since last spring at least. I dont notice any noise however and the movement of the joint still seems OK. The other outer boot (left side) looks intact but has lost its oil. I may try a boot replacement on that one and replace the whole axle on the right side.

Is there any way to know by feel or sound (with the car jacked up already and wheels, rotors removed and axle out of the hub) if there is wear? Whats the worst that can happen with a worn CV joint if it were reassembled with a new boot?

Thanks again
Michael