Made a bit of a job for myself really with this one.
One of the CV boots had a small nick in it from something like a grinder (not me honest) so I thought I'll just get a new boot and split the
joint, easy. Cut off the old boot and then I looked a the the Haynes manual... Oh wonderful the joint doesn't split (it's the drum brake
model), only way to get it off is to replace the whole joint. Did think of using a cone to stretch the boot over but damn it's tough even heating
it up in boiling water 
anyone done this a better way?
Thanks
I bought CV overhaul kits when reconditioning my Sierra donor drum drake push-in drive shafts. You had to split and remove the metal canister as well
and the kit came with new metal canisters. Time consuming, but satisfying job. Once done mine never leaked or caused and issues. FYI I got the o CV
overhaul kits from my local Ford main dealer. They were new old stock. No idea if the kits would still be available now though. I'd scan Ebay
and speak to the likes of Burton Power to see what options are out there.
I once let a local mechanic near me fit one of those wrap around gaitors and it failed within months - rubbish!
ahh thought as much, I should have used superglue... particularly annoying seeing that they are so low miles what a stupid design 
Thanks
the proper seirra kit isn't available - i got the last ones from my dealer about 10 years ago.
J&R drive shafts (birmingham) do replacement drive shafts that fit but are a little different. They don't do replacement / repair kits. The
diff side 'can' on the new drive shaft is bigger which means on my setup you can't pull the drive shaft out of the car but have to
remove the 230ftlb nut, split the joint and remove the drive shaft by pulling it towards the road wheel till it gets stuck (and thus free from the
diff) and then push it back over the diff.
Pain in the arse!
However it does mean somewhere, some car has a replacement can that will fit the joint and a rubber boot that fits the can ..... we just need to find
it. For some reason i think its VW but i have no evidence of this.
I used the cone method, plenty of lubricant and push - messy, so don't wear your best clothes, but not difficult
Have a word with your friendly local garage and ask if they have an air powered spreader, takes seconds and no struggling.
quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
Have a word with your friendly local garage and ask if they have an air powered spreader, takes seconds and no struggling.
I've replaced them with stretch boots. Not difficult, just requires a bit of strength.
Thanks that's a good idea, I'll ask the garage up the road to fit it. I should have thought of that...
I've just remembered that I butchered either a plastic bottle or a funnel to use as cone.
If you do go ahead using a cone then cut it to size , use the correct lube (KY jelly works well ) support the driveshaft in an upright position , turn the boot inside out and wear a pair of gloves (not disposable) pull the boot over the cone without stopping before turning it so it’s outside out . The first time I ever saw a stretch boot fitted that way it was a mere slip of a girl demonstrating them . Before then it was like putting a condom on an elephant!
quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
If you do go ahead using a cone then cut it to size , use the correct lube (KY jelly works well ) support the driveshaft in an upright position , turn the boot inside out and wear a pair of gloves (not disposable) pull the boot over the cone without stopping before turning it so it’s outside out . The first time I ever saw a stretch boot fitted that way it was a mere slip of a girl demonstrating them . Before then it was like putting a condom on an elephant!
I’ve used the split glued ones, they have been fine for years.
quote:
Originally posted by Dingz
I’ve used the split glued ones, they have been fine for years.
Cleanliness is the key
Ive used the split covers a couple of times, and they appeared to be ok, but cleanliness is the key, and no grease any were near the rubber, untill
its set hard
What i did, was get the old boot off, clean up the joint with petrol to get all the muck and old grease out, once clean cover the whole joint with
cling film
Assemble the split cone over the shaft, and glue, tie string around all the ribs, to aid in its setting, once dry run a bead of super glue on the
inside joint
once happy, a good hour later, remove cling film, fill the boot with grease, and fit the boot. and then remove the string
The last one i did was on a neighbours sierra. a good few years ago, and the boots went on for a few years
The split cv boots never worked well with front wheel cars, to much moving with steering and suspension, yet rear wheel drive cars have minimul
movement
steve
Thanks for the replies 
After further thought I left it with the local garage to deal with... 
He said it would be ready to collect tomorrow