How to Replace a CV Rubber Boot on an ATV Axle
The advancement of four wheel drive ATV and utility vehicles, and the proliferation of independent rear suspension had increased the number of ATVs that use constant velocity (CV) joints. The environment these vehicles are operated in means that the rubber boots that protect these joints, and keep the grease that lubricates them from escaping, get torn and ripped fairly often. Replacing the entire axle, as is often done in the automotive industry, is costly and unnecessary. With a few simple tools and a repair manual handy, you can easily replace a torn boot in an afternoon.
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Things You'll Need
- Vehicle repair manual
- Assortment of metric wrenches
- Shop rags
- CV clamp, banding tool
- Center punch
- Large brass drift
- Dead blow hammer
- Ball joint separator
- Large vise
- Brake parts cleaner
- Safety glasses
- Neoprene gloves
- Razor knife
- CV boot replacement kit
- Grease gun
Instructions
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1
Remove the axle from the vehicle. Since there are so many types of ATVs and utility vehicles, consult your manual for specific instructions on how to remove your axle. Be sure to secure your ATV on jack stands, and clear a clean work space for the axle once you have removed it from the ATV.
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2
Separate the outer cup from the rest of the axle. Be sure to put the hub not on the first few outer threads of the axle so these threads will not be damaged should the cup accidentally fall while being separated from the rest of the axle. Place the axle in a vise, and with the brass punch firmly strike the lip of the outer cup. It is usually just held on with a spring clip, and will separate quite easily.
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3
Remove the outer boot. Cut the boot straps with side cutters, and remove the remains of the boot from the axle. Use the razor knife to cut away any rubber stuck to the axle.
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4
Clean and inspect the outer cup, the bearings, and the bearing cage. Using the shop rags and the brake parts cleaner, remove all grease any debris from the parts. Inspect the parts for any signs of wear, and if any of them are questionable, replace them. Serious damage can occur if suspect parts are installed.
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5
Grease the bearings, cage, and splines with the grease packet provided in the CV boot kit. Use a Scotch Brite pad to clean the surfaces the boot will mount to, ensuring that there is no debris to prevent a good seal.
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6
Place the new boot over the axle first, then install the outer cup onto the axle. Using the supplied new bands, and the banding tool, secure the boot to the axle (small end) and the outer cup (large end). Ensure that the bands are tight, and the boot forms a good seal with the axle and the outer cup.
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7
Install the axle in the ATV following your repair manual specific instructions. Ensure that all parts are installed properly, brakes are functioning, and wheel nuts are torqued to the proper specifications before operating your ATV.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit quad4 image by charly_lippert from Fotolia.com
