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I have the axle out, Repaired the outer boot and now must replace the inner boot. The inner boot is held on differently with some sort of band that has no ends to be drawn together with a crimping tool. Most of the job appears to be easy with the exception of Fastening the boot. The instructions say:
Model 203, 211
Crimp cup seal (3b) in the groove of the
joint hub (8). It must no longer be possible to
turn the cup seal (3b).
Pictures from the instructions are attached below which show some sort of chisel and hammer tool being used.
My QUESTION: has anyone done this and can you give me some guidance as to how to fasten this "cup seal" to the hub?
Do you have CV boot clamp pliers? Like Gearwrench 3955? Once the band is in place snuggly, The idea is to crush the raised retangular bump-on th band with the CV pliers this will draw the band tighter by a few millimeters. Look at your old band or a band on the other wheel to observe the raised bump. You will see the bottom of the bump is crushed inward on both sides which shortens the band.
and if is some othe kind of band, you should post an in focus, close up of your band.
Now you know why service centers only replace the axle with a complete new or reman unit. Sorry, I know that doesn't help you at the moment.
I get it. The thing is, I didn't expect to be here. I was only replacing the outer boot which by itself was a piece of cake, I just had to take my time. I noticed a minute leak at the seal on the inner when I went to put it back in. Almost invisible, but it was there and certain to get worse not better. So, because this is the expensive side, $1K for the axle, I figured I'd take a swing at it. Worst that can happen at this point is I screw it up and just buy the new axle anyway. The boot kit for the dealer was $57. 57 vs 1000... Might as well try. And since they do sell the kit, it must be possible.
Do you have CV boot clamp pliers? Like Gearwrench 3955? Once the band is in place snuggly, The idea is to crush the raised retangular bump-on th band with the CV pliers this will draw the band tighter by a few millimeters. Look at your old band or a band on the other wheel to observe the raised bump. You will see the bottom of the bump is crushed inward on both sides which shortens the band.
and if is some othe kind of band, you should post an in focus, close up of your band.
It is a different band. No crimp point, no raised area, just a Ring. A pic of mine is attached. I will post a pic of the new kit when I pick it up tomorrow.
Maybe they are wanting you to roll the edge of that band on the edge towards the spline end? What's the other axle look like? Does that band have a taper on one side? #8 should have an indentation where you hammer the band into that indentation.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; 01-10-2023 at 01:18 PM.
Ahhh... I think you're on to something. I believe there is a groove. I haven't pulled the right axle so I'm not sure if it looks the same and the outer end definitely isn't the same. I wish it was. I'm getting the kit tomorrow and between looking at the parts and tearing mine down I hope I can get a better understanding. But what you're saying, and your drawing makes sense. Thanks for the drawing BTW. Sometimes there's nothing like a drawing to explain things.