Axle CV Boot Rebuild Question - Cut the OE ring?
 

Guy and gals,

im in the middle of rebooting my axles and I noticed the OE boots had a metal ring to keep them from collapsing. I am replacing my boots with Dorman universal boots.

Do I cut the OE ring off? Or leave it and try to incorporate it into the dormans?.

I think i need to cut the ring. But once it's cut, its gone...

It is circled in the attached pic.

Thanks!
dd

I don't exactly know with the Dormans, but it looks like you're all set with yours. I'm in the middle of installing flexx boots on my 300SD and I had to cut them out. Each stock boot should have 3 of them. Get a good metal cutter if you don't want to fight with them as they're pretty sturdy.
Here's a couple of links that might help you: http://dieselgiant.com/mercedesaxleshaftbootreplace.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0bUHxlbBuE&feature=related

Yep cut them out they probably won't fit in your universals anyway.

I used bolt cutters.

Factory (O.E.) Mercedes Boots
 

'Doesn't matter from whom you purchase.
You'll be much happier in the long run.

Direct comparison with Factory (O.E.) Mercedes Motor Mounts VS aftermarket
(AKA O.E.M. , O.E.S. , Etc.)

I cut them off both of ours when I replaced them. No issues since. I've put 25k on my car since then.

Ok then, off they come...

The OE axle boots are quite something. That rubber is thick stuff. Mine were cracked about halfway through...I wonder how long the Dormans will last. 50k? 100k?

If you are speaking of the Dorman ones that are like the Flexx Boots; both have the ability to stetch over the Cans on the Axles.
I believe they must be made of some good stuff to be able to do that.

If you plan to use a Hydraulic Press and Press apart your Axles you have a choice of the Stock Boots or the Flexx Type Boots.
If you intend to stretch them over the Cans you cannot use the Stock Boots.

No hydraulic press for me. I just stretched the dormans over the can with a funnel.

One axle done, one to go.