outer cv boot fitted but looks wrong-compressed too much

[omodos]

Got a niggling doubt in my head after outer cv boot was replaced last week, it isn’t leak or anything and the procedures mentioned here in the diy where followed when re-installing the boot

However I checked it when I got home, the whole new cv boot seemed more compressed than the one on the other side, and the inner clip is nearly touching the small end of the cv boot….(arrow x shows this)not sure the flexing up and down whilst driving will damage it or if there is anyway I can stretch it out?how far over the cv joint can the outer boot go or should go? ie what should distance X be?

The part number for the boot is correct and it seems it is fitted over the cv joint just as much as the other side perhaps a 1mm difference which can’t explain the more compress look.

The first pic is from the diy and it what my new cv boot looks like I more compressed( minus the hose clips as I have the proper clips on), in pic 2 is what I guess the cv boot should look like i.e stretched out….just worried that the clip touching the inner side will tear boot

Ps fitting the boot we pulled the rubber boot over the CV Joint making sure the small end of the boot was is in the detent groove on the drive half shalf. And the other end was pulled over the cv joint and clips tightened.

Have a great xmas

[powers1]

Hi Omodos,
With the wheel on the ground and looking from the front of the car,the CV boot has to be streched out as in pic2.Pic 2 ,however is not the OE cv boot ,as it has more rings !Pic 1 is the OE cv boot but that pic must have been taken with the wheel "in the air"!
This is what my looks like with the wheel straight and on the ground


Your Cv boot should look the same!
Why are you using jubilee clips ,instead of the proper clips ,as shown in pic2?
If you use the proper clip on the inside of the boot (smaller diametre),it will give you more space and it wont tear your cv boot.

[upallnight]

Why are you using hose clamps to secure the boot? You need to get CV boot clamps.

[racebmwm3]

Yea, get the hose clamps off and get the proper clamps on there. I believe you can get the proper clamps and carefully separate them/reassemble them before crimping to the shaft. I guess it is worth a try before removing the whole axle.

[omodos]

been a misunderstanding the pic with hose clips is not from my car, what i am saying is that my cv boot looks 'compressed' to the same amount as picture 1 with the car on the ground and steering straight, my cv boot has original clips on it and it is about 2mm from touching the boot, and am worried when the car turns corners and ver the bumps that the clip (original ) will grind at the cv boot although it is is the correct replacement cv boot from febi/bilstein it must be slightly longer no way of explaining it being more compressed as such,

i will take a pic of mine as it is on the ground and will appreciate any feedback, going for a 150mile drive today and will check it later for signs of wear where the clip may have touched, merry christmas to all

[powers1]

Sorry,I just read your post again and you did say you used "the proper clips".
These clips are designed without sharp edges and to prevent tearing the cv boot under heavy stress conditons .However ,your cv boot should be strectched out and with way more clearance than the 1-2 mm you mentioned!Are you sure the cv boot is same length?It maybe OE but .mistakes do happen and you should always check that the part you are replacing is 100% fit to the new part.
Merry Xmas to you too

[upallnight]

The CV boot in the picture with the hose clamp has fewer ribs then the CV boot with CV boot clamp. The CV boot with the hose clamp looks to be a shoemaker repair as evident by the hose clamp so I wonder if it is even the correct boot.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by powers1

Sorry,I just read your post again and you did say you used "the proper clips".
These clips are designed without sharp edges and to prevent tearing the cv boot under heavy stress conditons .However ,your cv boot should be strectched out and with way more clearance than the 1-2 mm you mentioned!Are you sure the cv boot is same length?It maybe OE but .mistakes do happen and you should always check that the part you are replacing is 100% fit to the new part.
Merry Xmas to you too

Merry christmas to all! sad day where i am sitting here and posting about the X! anyhow have added 3 pics of what my cv boot looks like fitted and car on ground wheels straight, cant 'expand it' further as left side of boot wont budge inwards to engine direction or right side outwards towards the wheel so it looks compressed to me...hmmmm will check it another day to see if there is any evidence of scouring or wear near the clip as yesterday I did some miles , alas was so relieved we got cv joint apart and able to fit boot that at the time did check anything else with mechanic, cv boot was on and i was happy....also just a thought, the cv boot rotates and so does the clip, the way i see it this rotation will not cause grinding or damage to the boot by the clip but perhaps the wheel going up and down may do so?again merry xmas

[powers1]

Looks all good to me!You just need to flatenned down the end bit that clip,as its protruding! Just look at the other side´s cv boot ,you will see what I mean.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by powers1

Looks all good to me!You just need to flatenned down the end bit that clip,as its protruding! Just look at the other side´s cv boot ,you will see what I mean.

Ok powers1, will take a look at the other side outer cv boot (original) and see what the boot clip looks like on that so should be flat is what you say?, won't I run the risk of the clip failing/weakening if I grab some pliers and try to press the protruding part of the clip flat?

Yesterday had a good look again at cv boot and felt the side of the cv boot where the clip 'may' touch the rubber and there is no sign of wear or scouring, and I did a considerable amount of driving, then again the clip may touch only when I change the angle of the cv joint perhaps whilst going up and down the kerbsides , or over speed humps etc…again thanks for input of all...and being so pedantic about this have included another pic with the bend clip question.....