Xoutpost.com - Ripped CV Boot. 2 part numbers WTF?

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Lower strut bolts is all you need to disconnect, and the brake caliper/rotor as when you push the axle inward and out of the hub you need to swing it sideways to clear the spindle.

From there once its cleared to the side of the spindle you can pop the outer joint off, reboot it,clean and pack the joint with fresh grease, and reinstall joint on the axle.

Then swing the axle back into the hub and pull it through.

Complete Bentley procedure is unnecessary to say the least.

You could also disconnect the rear control arm (wishbone) at the frame end, alternatively for a similar result. The advantage to doing the strut bolts is that they don't have to be torqued with the suspension loaded, whereas proper way to torque the wishbone control arm on the frame is with the suspension at full pre-load (on the ground).

Hope that helps. I did my entire front wheel bearings and CV boots (outer) at the same time last year and all I did was disconnect lower strut bolts, caliper, brake rotor, and wheel speed sensor (for wheel bearing job).

Yea, I ordered this now.

Amazon.com: OTC 4579 9-Way Slide Hammer Puller Set: Automotive

and this.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A1BB0GDPEIAGXP

and if you don't has this, you should get this.

Amazon.com: Lisle 30800 CV Boot Clamp Pliers: Automotive

And yes, Ricky is 100% correct on all points.

Quote:

Originally Posted by trader4 (Post 1007228)

Thanks for the tip. BTW, when you loosen the two strut bolts, nothing bad happens, right? With a spring/shock, just want to make sure the spring doesn't decompress, it's hard to put back to the right position again, etc.

Regarding right position, is it advisable to have an alignment done after replacing the front axle? If I was doing it the Bentley way, ie disconnecting tie rod, two arms, etc, I would think it would be a good idea. But if I just remove the strut bolts, any reason to get an alignment done if it's otherwise OK?

Thanks again

Well you jack up car, the spring will decompress. The only thing I suggest, if you don't have air suspension, is to jack up the other side, to remove the tension on the sway bar. I didn't have to, I also have air, so you might.

You don't just loosen the bolts, you remove them. You will need to be able to swing the hub away from the strut a bit. No alignment needed in either case. But if you remove tie rod, and the lower control arms, you will need to tighten those down when the car is back on the ground. You need to pre-load those bushings.

I am not impressed with the bentley as well. I purchased it, but it turned out to be a pace of shit.

I have no Bentley but I found there are quite enough threads on here to give the info I need. Slick gave you the right instructions. Remove the lower strut bolts completely for breathing room to swing the spindle out. Shouldn't need an alignment if that's all you are disconnecting. I have air suspension too so no issues getting it back in place (you shouldn't either)