I rented the tool from Autozone that is used to pull the hub (or push it inwards in case of axle removal) by screwing in the lug holes for free from their loaner tool program. the claw pullers definitely will damage the dust shield.


maybe you should have paid more attention to the other CV boot diy threads on the forums? If you did you would have realized you don't have to do the whole procedure by the book and remove everything (this would have avoided the tie rod boot ripping, so you'll have to replace that part)

You only have to either remove the brake caliper, rotor and unbolt the bottom of the strut, or disconnect the wishbone control arm at the frame of the car. that's it. Any axle removal can be done by disconnecting either of those, you don't have to unbolt both.

Would have saved you some time, money and aggravation.

And yes, the inner boot grease is tripod joint grease, more runny and yellow looking, the outer boot takes CV joint moly grease. Go with a quality replacement, you have the options of either getting rebuilt OEM cores from Cardone for about 70 bucks a side, new Chinese built Carone axles for about 55 a side, or OEM from BMW or OEM replacements from Raxles for about 250 a side.

__________________
2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins 68RFE
19k miles -Bright White/Black - Big Horn Sport - Crew Cab Short Bed
2013 X5 35D (CEO's) - Born on 5/17/2013 -
82k miles - Alpine White/Cinnamon Brown/Premium Pkg, Sport Activity/Premium Pkg and Sound/20" Style 214/Running Boards