Replacing CV joint covers? What do I need?

[Supervinnie40]

Hello everybody,

During my last MOT the mechanic advised to replaced the CV joint covers. There was a tiny split in the rubber cover on 1 side, and the other one looked worn as well.

I have done quite a bit of work on cars, but never done these items.
Is there a How-to? Or can somebody explain it to me?

From what I think:
- Remove the wheel
- Remove the brake disc
- Remove wheel hub/bearing
- Disconnecte the drive shaft from the hub
- Slide the old cover from the drive shaft
- Slide the new cover over the drive shaft
- Reconnect everything back

But I might be missing crucial steps?
Anything else I should be doing while I'm tackling this job? Something servicable that I should do while I'm at it?
Maybe something I should look out for?

Also, would I need special tools? Or are basic household tools sufficient?

Any pointers or advice is very welcome. I enjoy working on cars and learning and I want to do a good job ;-).

[Nantwich 75]

Is this of any help?

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=119331

[Supervinnie40]

Originally Posted by Nantwich 75

Is this of any help?

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=119331

Hi, there is some good info in that topic. But I was slightly hoping for something that showed every step.
A bit more like "replacing CV cover for dummies" ;-). Not that I am a dummy, but I like to make absolutely sure that I do everything by the book and that I won't get into trouble on the motorway haha.

I did read a comment that said it is easier to take the driveshaft out, and I kinda wonder how easy this is. Sounds like it makes the whole job a lot easier.

[SD1too]

I've done this job Vinnie. I'll consult my notes and get back to you shortly. You will need a special tool because the small diameter of the boot won't pass over the outer CV joint. You don't have to remove the driveshaft.

Simon

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by Supervinnie40

Hello everybody,


From what I think:
- Remove the wheel
- Remove the brake disc
- Remove wheel hub/bearing
- Disconnecte the drive shaft from the hub
- Slide the old cover from the drive shaft
- Slide the new cover over the drive shaft
- Reconnect everything back



Any pointers or advice is very welcome. I enjoy working on cars and learning and I want to do a good job ;-).

It's a bit easier than that - undo the driveshaft nut remove the hub lower clamp bolt and split the steering track rod end ball joint and you can withdraw the driveshaft from the hub. I prefer to do them on the bench and last time round I used a stretch rubber boot that you can fit without stripping the driveshaft down - it came with a cone and lub to guide it over.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by SD1too

I've done this job Vinnie. I'll consult my notes and get back to you shortly.

I used one of these special service tools to remove the outer CV joint from the driveshaft enabling the damaged and replacement rubber boots to be removed and fitted easily.



Simon

Edit:

Originally Posted by Supervinnie40

... I was slightly hoping for something that showed every step.

I can provide that Vinnie if you confirm by P.M. that you still want it.

[Supervinnie40]

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

It's a bit easier than that - undo the driveshaft nut remove the hub lower clamp bolt and split the steering track rod end ball joint and you can withdraw the driveshaft from the hub. I prefer to do them on the bench and last time round I used a stretch rubber boot that you can fit without stripping the driveshaft down - it came with a cone and lub to guide it over.

Sounds doable. How did you get them to the bench? You can't just imply pull them out of the engine.... Can you?

Originally Posted by SD1too

I used one of these special service tools to remove the outer CV joint from the driveshaft enabling the damaged and replacement rubber boots to be removed and fitted easily.



Simon

Edit:

I can provide that Vinnie if you confirm by P.M. that you still want it.

I'll sent you a PM Simon.

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by Supervinnie40

Sounds doable. How did you get them to the bench? You can't just imply pull them out of the engine.... Can you?

Yes and no - the nearside pulls out but on the offside you have to unbolt the support bearing bracket. If you do one side at a time and jack the vehicle up from the side you shouldn't lose any gearbox oil. The driveshafts themselves clip into the gearbox so you you'll need a lever to spring them out - bit of flat bar, large screwdriver or similar.


You can replace the driveshaft oil seals whilst you are there, but mine are 24 years old have covered 442k miles and still don't leak.