Any tricks to replacing Axle boot without special tool? 85 300TD w123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

azitizz · #1 10-07-2011, 10:22 AM

Im using my small window of time to attempt a rear bearing replacement. I amanged to get the tools I need for the bearings but I also need to change the axle boot. Would this not be a perfect time to replace it when the hubs are off and access is easy?

I just dont know if theres a way to strap them on without some special tool. It this possible? Its an "EMPRI C.V. boot kit" It came with the boot, a pack of grease and two metal clamps that have several holes that a small hook-like piece fits into slots almost like a hose clamp, but instead of adjusting with a screwdriver you have to squeeze the clamp in order for the hook to reach the desired hole.

Any tools that can do the job well? Otherwise are there easy to come-by clamps that can do the job as well?

Thanks
Michael

Jeremy5848 · #2 10-07-2011, 11:31 AM

There is a special tool to clamp the clamps. It is fairly expensive. No magic work-arounds. There are also boots that are installed with a special "gun." also expensive. Another option is to replace the axle (half-shaft) with a rebuilt one, which will come with new boots.

moon161 · #3 10-07-2011, 12:06 PM

I think the gun is available for rent from forum members.

barry123400 · #4 10-07-2011, 12:15 PM

Your city is quite large. Check around for anyplace that owns the installer tool. Then get them to change the boot if their labour quote makes sense. I can and do improvise a lot of things. This though would give me second thoughts. If you had an actual axel rebuilder in town somewhere would be ideal. They would have to have a tool.

Other than that just geting a used axel with good looking boots from a auto wrecker may be a good option. Just flush out the joints and relube them before installing is good preventative practice. In Canada the cooler overall temperatures possibly prolong the lifetime serviceability of those boots. That makes the auto salvage yard option even better than south of us.

I am in favour of this approach over the cheapy new chinese axles even if the cost where the same. Quality original new axle assemblies are pricy. True rebuilts only so/so now if available at all.

barry123400 · #5 10-07-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon161

I think the gun is available for rent from forum members.

Getting it through the border and back again might be more of a problem than it is worth. Other than that an excellent suggestion. Except you have to experience the return Canadian postal rates on something like that to believe them.

One important factor that in my opinion made the American system go at one time was your cheap postal rates that are slowly being removed. Your postal system should have been and probably was the envy of the world. It is still pretty good compared to ours ratewise but slipping fast. I viualise this as a country shooting itself in the foot.

vstech · #6 10-07-2011, 01:46 PM

most hardware stores have a nipper blunt nose wire cutter that will work fine for pinching the rings. but you do not crimp the ring to align the holes with the tab, you wrap the ring around the boot, and hook the tab into a hole as tight as you can, THEN crimp the ring to hold it firmly onto the boot!

martureo · #7 10-07-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azitizz

Im using my small window of time to attempt a rear bearing replacement. I amanged to get the tools I need for the bearings but I also need to change the axle boot. Would this not be a perfect time to replace it when the hubs are off and access is easy?

I just dont know if theres a way to strap them on without some special tool. It this possible? Its an "EMPRI C.V. boot kit" It came with the boot, a pack of grease and two metal clamps that have several holes that a small hook-like piece fits into slots almost like a hose clamp, but instead of adjusting with a screwdriver you have to squeeze the clamp in order for the hook to reach the desired hole.

Any tools that can do the job well? Otherwise are there easy to come-by clamps that can do the job as well?

Thanks
Michael

If you have the time look for astoria5000 they sell the flexx boot. Dorman universal boots also stretch over the half shafts.

You don't absolutely need the special tool. Go find yourself a nice long transmission fluid funnel and use that to guide the boot over. I bought the one astoria sold and it worked wonders.

StaggerLee · #8 10-07-2011, 02:37 PM

I did this with the axles completely out of the car:
Get a transmission funnel, some grease, and an axle boot kit. Cut the funnel just a bit wider than the housing, grease it up good except for the end where you need to grab the boot to pull/push and stretch it over the funnel and on to the axle. I found that if you can do it all in one motion it slides on a lot easier. Be prepared to lean in to it because its a pretty significant stretch; but it works!

I think I got a tool at Harbor Freight to tighten the metal straps holding the boot in place.

Also, on the outside boot, you have to turn it inside out before you stretch it on. Once its on you turn it right side out and it will be facing the right direction.

There are more detailed threads on this procedure in the archives.

panZZer · #9 10-07-2011, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barry123400

Getting it through the border and back again might be more of a problem than it is worth. Other than that an excellent suggestion. Except you have to experience the return Canadian postal rates on something like that to believe them.

One important factor that in my opinion made the American system go at one time was your cheap postal rates that are slowly being removed. Your postal system should have been and probably was the envy of the world. It is still pretty good compared to ours ratewise but slipping fast. I viualise this as a country shooting itself in the foot.

must be lots of trails crossing over from Maine to Quebec, New Brunswick, I cant see how they could police that place much.

leathermang · #10 10-07-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panZZer

must be lots of trails crossing over from Maine to Quebec, New Brunswick, I cant see how they could police that place much.

They use Drones on the border...
and you sneaking through the woods crossing the International Border with two metal axle shafts..which look like weapons..
PPHHHHFFFFFTTTTTT.... you are gone.