Drive Shafts - Rubber Boot

[degens]

I have a 1996 Automatic 2.8 Galaxy and noticed yesterday that the rubber boot on the driver's side drive shaft is split. It is the boot on the end attaching to the Gearbox.

 

I have never attempted the other end because I believe you need specialist tools to dismantle the CV joint.

 

Can anyone tell me would I be able to remove the drive shaft and fit a new boot relatively easily and with no specialist tools.

 

Thanks

 

Phil.

[Guest Andy]

I recently change both outer boots and i used NO specialist tools,i did however find it easier to undo the bottom swivel , the 2 allen key bolts rather than the bottom swivel nut itself,once the outer joint has been slid out of the hub you can refit the bolt back into the cv joint and do it up and the joint will be pushed off the end of the shaft,the inner joint is held on with a circlip which requires YEP YOU GUESSED IT circlip pliers,pull away the old boot and clean away the grease and you will see the 2 little legs of the clip which you will need to part,as you part the clip pull on the shaft and the shaft should pull out,fit said boots and refit how it all came apart except for putting shaft back into inner joint use a soft faced hammer or the like and tap shaft home until you are sure the clip has clicked home correctly,the same goes for the outer joint keep it square and gently tap it on until you are happy the internal circlip has clicked home,

good luck

:P :P :P :rolleyes:

[Guest Andy]

I DO NOT CALL CIRCLIP PLIERS SPECIALIST,A STANDARD TOOLBOX TOOL FOR ME.

:P :P :P :rolleyes:

[degens]

Thanks for that Andy.

 

I think I will give it a go this weekend.

 

I did manage to get hold of an explosed diagram of the drive shafts but it was a bit confusing.

 

Does the driver's side drive shaft split in two. i.e. there is an inner and outer shaft?

 

And, do you lose oil from the gearbox when you take the shaft out? Should I buy a plug or something to stop this?

 

Presumably you can simply secure the boot with a standard hose clip rather than the usual clip which seems to need special pliers.

 

Cheers

 

Phil.

[Guest Andy]

Ah no problem any time at all,

The haynes manual gives you the basic removal/repair info you will need on this subject.

The drivers side has an intermidate bearing which you will need to unbolt,if you are able to undo the circlip on the inner joint then NO oil will be spilt,otherwise pulling the whole joint out will.

As for clips on the boot you might get metal replacements but i use cable ties as big as you can fit on the lip of the boot

good luck

I am fortunate though to have access to several 2 poster ramps so i could work at a decent height and not groval around on the floor.

:P :P :P :rolleyes: