Question about the can on the CV Joint
 

I have a torn boot and have a repair kit. The can that is on the axle now will have to be cut off. When I put the new can on what holds it in place? How does it seal? I can;t tell by looking so I want to understand before I tear it apart. Its an 85 300D

Try this thread
 

This sounds like you intend to cut off the metal can in order to replace a boot? Is that right - or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

Anyway what ever try looking at this recent thread for some tips...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/251168-flexx-boot-axle-repair-using-cone.html

Yes that is my intent. I cannot seem to find anybody that sells the Dorman boots locally at all. I called the Astoria place and the guy that answered the phone there must have been the janitor or something. He could not answer one single question about their products so my faith in them is quite deminished. I have a kit at home for a factory replacement and I do not really want to go that way but seems I may have no choice.

I'm changing my CV boots soon and I got a kit complete with very detailed instructions from **************.com; you'll need to modify a set of locking pliers on a certain way to make it easier: I'll post pictures later today.

Hahahaha! Got censored here... :D well, the website doesn't matter; I'll post pics of this tool and the how-to later

Censored! how about that. PM me, always a way around. I plan on doing it soon. Like tonight. I can't get anyone to tell me how the cans seal to the axles. Do you know?

On the Homokinetic Axles (with a CAN on each end) order to use the Stock type boots with the kit you are speaking of you have to use a hydraulic press to take off one of the spiders so that you can slide the axle.

With the Annular Axles (the end nearest the Differential has no can and has six or so Bolts going through it) people have indicated you can take that end apart and slide on the boot from one end. No cut any CANs off.
Concerning the Astoria Flexx Boots; why refuse to buy a proven product because of one dumb employee!

The Dorman part number for the boot 614-001
Astoria Flexx Boot part number FB3000

Where to Find Axle Boots, Astoria Flexx Boots
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/265656-where-find-axle-boots-post2341902.html?highlight=Astoria+Flexx+Boot#post2341902

Yes I understand, but my question is how do the cans seal to the axles?

I can't quite answer your question but
 

Like the title says I can't quite answer your question but here are 2 links

http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedesaxleshaftbootreplace.htm

No can cutting here

http://boostnbenz.1baddsm.com/DIY/CVboots/

Cutting cans here

(I don't see why some cans are cut and some are not)

There is a large O-ring at the seam where the can is crimped.

I mean the other side (against the axle) opposite the crimp.

I just PMd you... with the link to the parts in question. I don't know whether they would send you the instruction on how to do it separately, but you can try...

If I remember correctly, O-rings seal the can everywhere except where the boot clamps on. Held in tension by the crimp. It has been about 7 years since I rebuilt mine. If you cut the seam it all becomes clear once you see inside.

If I were to do another set today, I would try the flexx boot concept to see how that works. If that didn't go well, I would just cut the cans and rebuild like I did before.

If the flexx thing works, that would be the way to go. Easier.

Getting the old grease completely cleaned out is important also. Slide the axle into the end to see if you can hear metal on metal contact. The shaft has nylon bumpers that can fail...and they need to be there.

Swap sides when done to get a fresh surface for the balls to run against, unless you have some of the early axles with the goofy spiral sealing surface.

The original axles are old school, high quality, German engineering, whatever you do , don't swap them for junk rebuilts or chinese scrapmetal.

I just emailed you the link with the instructions...