CV boot replacement tool?

[Fredmburgess]

Anyone tried a "boot slider" to replace CV boots? I saw one demonstrated by manufacturer from Israel at AutoMechanica trade show in Frankfurt last year, now see them listed on the internet (www.bootslider.com) by a distributor.

This pneumatic tool has "fingers" that spread / stretch the bootso you can slide them right over the outboard end of the driveshaft. Wouldn't even need to open the dif to release the inboard end of the shaft.

I've got an '84300D with 384,000 miles on it and the OEM boots are still good but on their way out.

Anyone try one of these yet?

Thanks,

fmb

[Kebowers]

The problem is the MBZ boots are held on with a special crimp on the big ends and not a band clamp. It takes a very expensive tool ($1500!) to make that crimp, and the half shaft has to be out of the car to do it.

I have never heard good words about using the 'repair kit' which is a split boot that glues together. While they do work well on other car (like Fords), they do not seem to hold up on the MBZ joints. Not sure why.

[dpetryk]

There are several manufacturers of metal versions of the classic "tye wrap" fasteners. I use them instead of those expensive crimped type clamps. Much cheaper and no tools required.

[Fredmburgess]

Ah, I'll have to take a closer look at them when I'm under the car tonight. I've used the split boots on VW's and they're a pain to work with. The tool that I saw really worked well, but the boots are clamped at each end with band clamps.

[Fredmburgess]

HeyDave, dualing replies...I really haven't even looked closely. These tools come with simple band clamps and a crimping tool. Had a spare driveshaft but sold it - duh - so have to climb under the car and have a look. If I get one of these tools I'll post. Theoretically, all you have to do is pull the outboard end of the shaft out of the wheel. Both new boots can be expanded and installed right over and past the outboard joint. Not a perfect solution (wll be tough to keep dirt out during installation) but better than the split boots.
F

[stevebfl]

The concept on thee tools is to draw the boot over the crimped can. If this is possible the boot is then only held to the can with a clamp. The reason you have to disassemble the can is to get the axle out of the cv joint so the boot with a one inch hole can be slid right on the axle. These tools take the one inch hole and slide it over the 4 inch diameter cv joint. You damn sure won't do that with a MB boot. The boot they use must be made from bubble gum.

I see no reason why they shouldn't work I would worry about the quality of the boot. Getting axles out to redue the boots yearly could be a worse problem.