Repack CVs?

[Hib Halverson]

CV joint failures and CV service.

Are there any C5ers, here, who have had the a rear axle CV joint fail due to high-mileage wear or the grease "drying out"?

How many here have repacked or "rebuilt" the CV joints in their axle shafts?

 

[Toms007]

Never done a Corvette CV, but I rebuilt one on a Chevy pickup a few years back....what a PITA.

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
I have seen leaks from the clamps and other things like that.

Usually then, after a while, the grease is gone and then the lubrication.

Joints are rebuildable.

Allthebest,c4c5

 

[Hib Halverson]

I know GM-SPO sells "boot kits" but is there a place one can buy just the OE-type boot clamps?

 

[VETTEX2]

they are available
there is nothing special about them
any decent parts store should be able to get them

 

[Hib Halverson]

they are available
there is nothing special about them
any decent parts store should be able to get them

Well...you're a better scrounge than I. You said they are "available"...where have you sourced them?

I've looked at AutoZone, Napa, Pep Boys, CSK web sites and no one has boot clamps which are a specific fit. NAPA has universal clamps. GM doesn't sell just the clamps only the boot kits. I found reference to Dorman clamps on one web site but when I searched Dorman's site for "cv boot clamp" the search returned "nothing found".

If you have a source for OE-type CV joint boot clamps, post it will ya?

 

[VETTEX2]

you want just the clamps ?
I've always got them with the boots , that is what I thought you meant....nobody goes through all that trouble w/o changing the boots
but
I know many mechanics who used to scrounge parts for me
I'll see what I can do

worse comes to worse , lg hose clamps will work

 

[Hib Halverson]

you want just the clamps?

Yes. I want to replace a single clamp.

(snip)
worse comes to worse , lg hose clamps will work

Have you used worm-drive clamps to hold CV boots?

 

[VETTEX2]

yes I have
I tack weld the screw with my mig welder , just one small zap where the screw hits the top of the outside , not the clamp part , so it can't ever loosen but weak enough to pop off when I need to change it

still looking around for a stock clamp.....

 

[LLC5]

Heavy duty plastic zip ties can work in a pinch also, less chance of cutting the boot than a metal worm hose clamp.

 

[VETTEX2]

Good one !
I wonder how long they'd last ?

 

[LLC5]

Probably longer than the boots would be my guess. I have personally never used them, only seen it on other vehicles, so I really cannot say how long they will last but the cv boots that I did see them on were on older vehicles and the boots were not leaking.

 

[VETTEX2]

what size clamp is it ?
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PROF...Z140183184578QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools
or
http://www.murraycorp.com/index.pl/keystone_boot_clamps.htm

 

[Hib Halverson]

Uh, look guys...I'm looking for OE type CV boot clamps. I'm not using worm-drive, hose clamps and I'm not using plastic cable ties.

If anyone has a source for just the OE type clamps--not the boot kits but just the clamps--please PM me.

 

[VETTEX2]

Uh , look Hib , NO PM for you

Murray has the OEM type
http://www.murraycorp.com/index.pl/keystone_boot_clamps.htm
look closer , no screw.....just pick the size you need.

and the ebay is a universal but still is not a worm screw type.

 

[VETTEX2]

Well did you find what you need ?

 

[Hib Halverson]

I found that web site early in my quest. I understand the Murray Corp. as a manufacturer which does not sell retail. I'm still looking for a source for clamps like which sells to the consumer.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Normally, I do NOT just install clamps on boots that are leaking.

Its too dicey for me to think that the movement in the clamp didnt compromise the plastic boot under it.

GM does NOT supply clamps separately.

Oetiker is the supplier to GM for most of its driveline clamps.

Personally, I replace the boots, but you might try this website for further information.

Drivetrain applications Automotive OETIKER International

Allthebest, c4c5

 

[Hib Halverson]

I agree that in most situations you want to repalce boots and clamps. The reason I'm interested in a source for clamps is as background info for a magazine article I'm working on and, possibly, to get some clamps to use on existing boots which are in good condition but are being removed simply to allow photography of the parts of a CV joint. Then I'd repack the joint, reinstall the boot with new clamps.

Interestingly, Oetiker markets "clamp kits" according to that web site.

Do you know what kind of material GM uses in the boots?

Any idea about the composition of the grease that comes with the GM CV joint kits?

 

[c4c5specialist]

Oh, so this isnt for your own car?

Ok, now this makes more sense.

Allthebest, c4c5