Rear CV boot replacement

[clyde]

I have a split outer CV boot on the off-side of my C4 that needs replacing. Looking at the electronic workshop manual suggests that the drive shaft has to be completely removed to allow this to be done. Removal is a major task from what I can make out. I don't want to go down this route, not least because I intend to replace the suspension in a few months time and everything will have to come apart then.

From a not too detailed look underneath it would appear that if I disconnect the inner CV joint I will be able to drop it to remove the inner joint from the drive shaft then feed both inner and outer boots off and replace them both. Can anyone confirm that this is possible or is there not enough movement in the outer CV joint to allow the inner one to clear the transmission flange?

 

[John Maddox]

I have used the generic replacement boot of the type that you glue together with success. Cost about £12 together with a sachet of correct grease and appropriate clips from my local motor factor!!

I was in some doubt about doing this but it has been on for two years + now and still looks to be in good order. I do check it every now and then just in case it fails and it did not receive any comment after a free OPC check last year.

 

[clyde]

I did wonder about one of these John and it's nice to know that it's been used successfully. I think I'll probably go down that route at least for a temporary repair until I get the suspension done. Unless someone can confirm I can remove the boots from the inside.

I've done a few CV boots in my time and bought the kit with circlip, etc a while ago thinking it would be an easy fix. It was only when I started to look into it that I realised that the outer CV was permanently fixed to the drive shaft and half the suspension had to come apart to get the shaft out. My biggest issue (other than having the geometry re-done only to be stripped back in a few months) is that the ABS sensor has to come out and I know that the screw fixing it to the hub is prone to shearing resulting in a drill out job.

 

[D Ward]

hi,on the near side you can,despite what it says in the manual about having to take lots of stuff off. just un bolt the driveshaft from the gearbox and the large nut on the hub end and by compressing the suspention if is fairly easy with lots of wiggling and an assistant,to take out the whole driveshaft and get it back in. Unfortunatly it not that easy on the offside,2 much stuff in the way,so it has to be done as per the porsche manual instructs,i dont think u would even be able to just lower the gearbox side of the drive shaft enough to be able to split it.As you are going to be doing some major work in a couple of months,i would b inclined to do as John suggest and use one of the glued boots,i have never used them myself but they seem ideal for ur situation at the moment,as long as they keep the grease in & dirt out to protect the cv joint in the mean time,far better than an exposed cv joint,cheers

 

[clyde]

Cheers Darren, I kinda thought that. Bought a split boot today so I'll fit it on Saturday.