Outer CV Boot Replacement

Post by **Biggertuna** » 29 Dec 2020, 21:15

Was changing out the front brake hoses on my '03 V70 NA Automatic and noticed some small globs of grease on the control arm, tie rod, and around the wheel well (passenger side). I didn't inspect the area thoroughly because of time, but I'm thinking I may have a torn outer CV boot. In anticipation of a repair, I did some searching but could only find videos/instructions describing outer CV boot replacement. I've also read some posts recommending to replace the axle ($$$).

Does anyone have any videos or instructions that describe the process the replace the outer CV boot?
Thanks in advance.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 29 Dec 2020, 22:49

fcpeuro has a video on the inner CV boot. https://blog.fcpeuro.com/learn-how-to-r ... joint-boot

The outer boot is pretty straight forward. It may or may not have an internal circlip which needs to be removed. Remove it and tap out the joint. Clean it all up and put boot on then grease and put together.

The passenger side is long be careful not to damage any seals. This video should help out:

I would buy new boots are rebuild or source one from a wrecker.

Post by **oragex** » 30 Dec 2020, 09:35

As above, it should be the outer boot. Use GKN brand and install a new circlip if you force on it. A garage should be good to do this if you bring them the shaft. There's more videos on youtube with all these

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 30 Dec 2020, 10:06

Biggertuna wrote: ↑29 Dec 2020, 21:15 Was changing out the front brake hoses on my '03 V70 NA Automatic and noticed some small globs of grease on the control arm, tie rod, and around the wheel well (passenger side). I didn't inspect the area thoroughly because of time, but I'm thinking I may have a torn outer CV boot. In anticipation of a repair, I did some searching but could only find videos/instructions describing inner CV boot replacement. I've also read some posts recommending to replace the axle ($$$).

Does anyone have any videos or instructions that describe the process the replace the outer CV boot?
Thanks in advance.

The outer CV joint is driven off the axle by striking it with a hammer. This compresses an inner circlip. For the left side axle you have to cut off the old boot first, there's not enough room to slide it up the axle to get it out of the way. Best to replace inner boot at the same time too. See photo as you may have to file or grind down a staked lip to get the inner tri-pods out.

This is a messy job but if you have original Volvo axles and no vibration or noise then it's worth replacing the boots. If you do replace the axles don't buy anything but GKN axles, most other axles are complete junk and you'll end up doing everything over again in a short time. Have plenty of towels on hand and disposable gloves. Having a bench vice is very helpful.

how to get the CV joint off the axle, best to use a brass hammer though

: Inked volvo inner cv joint staked end_LI.jpg (738.35 KiB) Viewed 1227 times

Post by **Biggertuna** » 30 Dec 2020, 12:35

Took a closer look today while replacing the serpentine belt and tensioner. Sure enough, I found a torn outer CV boot.
Thanks for the videos and advice. Job looks like a pain!

Post by **volvolugnut** » 30 Dec 2020, 13:07

If you have an aftermarket axle and not original Volvo or GKN, you may not be able to disassemble the CV joint. I found no amount of hammering or pulling with a CV joint removal tool would slide mine apart. Also, if you have an aftermarket axle, the boots may be a different size and unavailable.
volvolugnut

Post by **volvolugnut** » 30 Dec 2020, 13:09

Are you near Greater Tuna?

volvolugnut

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 30 Dec 2020, 13:42

Biggertuna wrote: ↑30 Dec 2020, 12:35 Took a closer look today while replacing the serpentine belt and tensioner. Sure enough, I found a torn outer CV boot.
Thanks for the videos and advice. Job looks like a pain!

This job is kind of pain, definitely messy but quality new axles are expensive so worth doing if current axles are OEM and still in good shape. As Volvolugnut mentioned if you have aftermarket axles you might have problems disassembling them and boots will be different. If you do have aftermarket axles and they aren't GKN (OEM) then it's not really worth even attempting to replace the boots.

About the aftermarket axles, I've seen some axles where the CV joint uses an actual snap ring instead of the compression circlip to hold it in place on the axle. For these types of axles you have to clean the grease away and remove the snap ring with snap ring pliers, the hammer method won't work.

Post by **Biggertuna** » 30 Dec 2020, 16:44

To summarize:
1. If axle is either GKN or Volvo, and in decent condition: replace the boot
2. If axle is aftermarket or genuine in bad condition, replace the axle with a GKN/Volvo axle.

I don't hear any clicking and there's no vibration at the moment. I'll get under the car in a few days to see what I find; may even pull off the axle completely. Luckily I don't drive much and this issue doesn't appear to be extremely urgent at the moment.

Will keep you posted on progress.
Thanks again for all the help.

@volvolugnut - Ha! Needed to lookup the reference to Greater Tuna. Don't think I'm anywhere near it