N/S/R CV boot advice.

[capri_rob]

Noticed what looks like a small leak from the outer CV boot yesterday - was under the car sorting the wiring to the diff and could see some grease around where the driveshaft fits into the hub. Other side is totally dry.
Havent yet had the wheel off or had a close up look to see if its the boot or the clip.

Worst case if it needs a boot how do-able is this DIY ?

I have vague memories from the chrome turd when taking the rear beam apart about having you use a puller to get the shaft out which in turn wrecked the wheel bearing - i really dont want to be doing that if it can be avoided.

I have seen online stretchy boots together with a plastic cone which allows them to fit over the end - has anyone used one of these ?

If so i believe rather than separating the shaft from the hub i can disconnect the splined bolts at the diff, drop the shaft down and put a new boot on that way using the cone method on the diff end of the shaft and then slide the new boot down before cutting the old one off and then attaching the new one with new clips.

How would a garage usually do it ?

The internet seems to think that when the boot splits its a new driveshaft ???

Any advice gratefully appreciated

[KW355]

I have just done a rear suspension refurb on my car. iirc you can remove the driveshaft by undoing the bolts on the diff side followed by the big nut on the wheel hub.
You can tap the driveshaft out or use a puller on it, my bearings stayed in place.
The wheel side cv boot needs to be a small one, most will rub due to their size.
I used a gkn lobro one from ecp, the part number is listed in my thread in the members section;

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&start=50

[capri_rob]

Nice one thanks.
This is sounding like one of those jobs i dont want to take on myself a˜•

[aimlessrock]

i purchased a used set, overhead them (new boots, grease, re-paint etc) and then had them fitted.

[capri_rob]

Bump for this thread - had a proper look today and the boot is perfect, the grease appears to be coming from where the driveshaft goes into the back of the hub ??
Theres not loads but its definitely got a slight issue as the other side is totally dry
Is this the CV joint on the way out ? In which case im guessing a replacement driveshaft is the best choice ?
There are no strange noises from the joint at present.

[aimlessrock]

Does not sound good to be honest Rob, only way your going to really know is to remove and inspect.

If it
is loosing greace it's on it's way out. Ironically I'm overhauling a set of shaft this weekend...straightforward but messy