Axle boots - Page 13 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ykobayashi · #**181** 10-08-2018, 10:34 PM

Well I received the Astoria boots. I used an FB3000. I had a 3001 too but I used the 3000 because it seemed like a closer fit. Both will probably work.

As predicted it didn’t rip like the Dorman units. It just opened and slipped on. No fuss.

Incidentally Dorman sent me replacement new boots for the three I sent in. I put them up on the shelf. I’m done for now.

Very happy with the Astoria FB3000.

ROLLGUY · #**182** 10-08-2018, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ykobayashi

Well I received the Astoria boots. I used an FB3000. I had a 3001 too but I used the 3000 because it seemed like a closer fit. Both will probably work.

As predicted it didn’t rip like the Dorman units. It just opened and slipped on. No fuss.

Incidentally Dorman sent me replacement new boots for the three I sent in. I put them up on the shelf. I’m done for now.

Very happy with the Astoria FB3000.

I wasn't sure which one would work the best for the stock axles. I tried a 3001 a few weeks ago, and thought they were too big, and sent them back. Good thing, as I got a better deal with the starter kit (half the price= or twice as many boots for the same price). I just found out that the 3001 fits over the lip on the can, and not on the lip that the stock boot attached to. I am thinking that the 3000 will work in the stock position, and I assume that is why you used the 3000......Rich

tangofox007 · #**183** 10-09-2018, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ykobayashi

Well I received the Astoria boots. I used an FB3000. I had a 3001 too but I used the 3000 because it seemed like a closer fit. Both will probably work.

I installed the FB3001 boots on a W123 over a year ago. They have been doing fine ever since. The large opening of the boot is stair-stepped to fit multiple applications. Trimming was required.

Diesel911 · #**184** 10-09-2018, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ykobayashi

Well I received the Astoria boots. I used an FB3000. I had a 3001 too but I used the 3000 because it seemed like a closer fit. Both will probably work.

As predicted it didn’t rip like the Dorman units. It just opened and slipped on. No fuss.

Incidentally Dorman sent me replacement new boots for the three I sent in. I put them up on the shelf. I’m done for now.

Very happy with the Astoria FB3000.

You can use them on other vehicles with a smaller diameter can or ones where you don't need to stretch them (like on an annular axle).

I did one or both of the Axles on my 86 Chevy Cavalier about a year and 1/2 ago with the Dorman Boots. I can't recall if they needed to be stretched or not.

If they needed to be stretched the cans were smaller in diameter so they would not have needed to be stretched as much.

I have 3 Dorman Boots left but mine are from over 3 years ago.

Zulfiqar · #**185** 10-10-2018, 10:36 AM

I tried to reboot a mazda axle with the dorman boot, it ripped up. I bought a correct rubber boot from NAPA and undid the axle completely to install that boot. I know its not workable for a mercedes.

the dorman boots have gone to garbage in quality. Dorman did send me a replacement which is collecting dust in my garage.

Graham · #**186** 07-03-2020, 10:31 AM

Resurrecting this thread to find out if the Astoria boots are standing up. Any updates?

My 3M 5200 coated boots still are OK, but need more goop or need replacing! I have a friend helping with car and he says he has an expander. But has not used it yet.

From what you guys have posted, Dorman is out.
Astoria seems the way to go, but which size (and who offers best pricing)

Then I found this Australian site: https://www.stretchcvboot.com/cv-boots/

I am not sure yet which size would be correct for our 107/123s (see 11, 22, 33) Prices are in AUS$ which are worth slightly less than our C$ and a lot less than US$. If shipped by parcel post, competitively priced. But not by Courier unless buying in quantity.

ROLLGUY · #**187** 07-03-2020, 11:50 AM

I bought a start up kit, and had enough to do two cars. The price has risen since I bought the first kit a few years ago, but still worth the cost.

https://www.mobiledistributorsupply.com/flexx-boot-start-up-kit-1
I am not sure how this compares with your supplier, or if the exchange rate and shipping make it a good deal or not.

Graham · #**188** 07-03-2020, 12:30 PM

Presumably the 3000 will fit? I think our shafts are 25mm?

If so, you get 10 boots for US$169 in the starter pack. Individually they cost 19.99 or $24.00 but some places discount them. The Aussie Stretch boots are just under US$15 incl shipping by slow boat.

We would probably go with the Astorias. If just buying 4, which size to buy?

ROLLGUY · #**189** 07-03-2020, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

Presumably the 3000 will fit? I think our shafts are 25mm?

If so, you get 10 boots for US$169 in the starter pack. Individually they cost 19.99 or $24.00 but some places discount them. The Aussie Stretch boots are just under US$15 incl shipping by slow boat.

We would probably go with the Astorias. If just buying 4, which size to buy?

I have used both, but the 3000 seem to work best. If I remember, the larger size (3001?) fits over the entire can, while the other fits like the factory boots.

Graham · #**190** 07-03-2020, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I have used both, but the 3000 seem to work best. If I remember, the larger size (3001?) fits over the entire can, while the other fits like the factory boots.

I can't imagine putting the 3001 boot on the can. It would be trimmed back to fit the normal position. This picture from DG may help anyone looking at this.

Diesel911 · #**191** 07-06-2020, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham

I can't imagine putting the 3001 boot on the can. It would be trimmed back to fit the normal position. This picture from DG may help anyone looking at this.

Don't trim any boots till after they have been stretched over the can. Trimming before stretching messes with their integrity and makes the easier to split during installation.

unkl300d · #**192** 07-06-2020, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I bought a start up kit, and had enough to do two cars. The price has risen since I bought the first kit a few years ago, but still worth the cost.

https://www.mobiledistributorsupply.com/flexx-boot-start-up-kit-1
I am not sure how this compares with your supplier, or if the exchange rate and shipping make it a good deal or not.

"Replace without Disassembly, Includes Heavy Duty Band Clamp.."

Without disassembly??

Can someone share their installation methods and tools?

thanks

ROLLGUY · #**193** 07-06-2020, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unkl300d

"Replace without Disassembly, Includes Heavy Duty Band Clamp.."

Without disassembly??

Can someone share their installation methods and tools?

thanks

Yes, without dissassembling the joint. The Flexx Boot gun uses compressed air to spread open the fingers on the tool, so the boot fits over the can. When the pressure is released, the fingers collapse around the can, and the boot is slid off. The axle is then pulled out of the gun, and then the boot is ready to be clamped on. Some people use a cone, and slide the lubricated boot over the can.

Graham · #**194** 07-06-2020, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I bought a start up kit, and had enough to do two cars. The price has risen since I bought the first kit a few years ago, but still worth the cost.

https://www.mobiledistributorsupply.com/flexx-boot-start-up-kit-1
I am not sure how this compares with your supplier, or if the exchange rate and shipping make it a good deal or not.

I did check - US$169.99+Fedex$34.08=$204.07 or C$276 + tax and maybe duty. C$312 if no duty. Not that good especially if you don't need the odd number of boots (e.g 6 3000s)

Going with new axles but will reboot old axles. Not sure what with.

Maybe remove can and use GKN. Low cost and apparently OE. $28.49 per axle vs $125.47 for MB @F C P. Just need to learn how to remove cans and recrimp and you have OE boots like the original on your existing axles (But not easy to do it seems). For Annular, the GKN boots might be a low cost good quality choice?

WDBCB20 · #**195** 07-07-2020, 03:07 PM

Here's an Italian product requiring no disassembly at all:

video installing that boot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLAWIQ05DS0&app=desktop#dialog

Manufacturer's site (where to buy) Cuffia Facile, cuffia semiasse innovativa by Hippored | Risparmia tempo, semplificati la vita