CV Boot Clamp Question

[cmcfaul]

Is there a special tool needed for the tightening the CV boot clamps? Going to replace at least two today (only one is torn but have done them before so might as well do both on the half shaft.)



Thanks,

Chris
89 Carrera

[dannobee]

They're called "Keystone Clamps." Google for pliers options.

[cmcfaul]

Thanks, I have one of those pliers in my tool box. Assuming you get it in the tightest hole then use the pliers to crimp the raised part for the last 1/8 inch.

Chris

[gtc]

Also called ear clamps. Oetiker and Knipex make some good pliers for them, if anyone else comes across this thread.

[Kraftwerk]

Knipex version is on my list of tools to get... for now I have a huge zip-tie on the boot, which could be a hassle to remove w/o damaging the boot.

[nene]

I bought the Oetiker one and it does the job. I also used it when replacing the fuel lines.

Serge

[nene]

I used the metal clamp on the larger side and a Zip-tie on smaller end.

[winders]

I have these and they work great:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002SREPY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[jlex]

Didn't have the correct tool at the time, so I ended up using tile cutters (nippers) to crimp the clamps. Available at any hardware store.

[cmcfaul]

I had the tool in my tool box. Worked great. Was not a difficult project at all. If I do the other side I will do a complete write up on it as there really was not one, that I could find, on replacing CV boots on a G-50 trans.

All in, it took 3 hrs, plus a trip at the parts store for a 32 MM socket. Prob used 10 pairs of gloves.

Chris
89 Carrera
73 911 E

[Walt Fricke]

I've used tile pliers successfully as well.

The virtue touted for Oetiker clamps is that they have a spring action - as the rubber underneath squishes over time, the clamping pressure remains the same. With a screw hose clamp the loss of thickness on the rubber tube means it is no longer as strongly clamped. A case in point might be the big band clamps used on turbo hoses, where there is a horizontal coil spring keeping tension on the clamp. The forces acting on CV boots are nothing like this at all. The only significant one might be air pressure from moving back and forth, and you can deal with that - should the need arise - by putting a small tube, like what you get with a can of brake cleaner, under the small end before clamping. It lets air go in and out (but is long enough and small enough that dirt and moisture don't get in) freely as the axle moves in and out.

However, I now just use zip ties - cheap, quick, light, and work just fine for the application, no special tools needed. Never had an issue with this. No reason to remove one on the big end other than when the boot is damaged. No problem with boot damage cutting off one on the small end.

[cmcfaul]

I have used zip ties before and they cut the boot within a year and or the boot would slip off the CV joint.

Chris

[Walt Fricke]

Well, that is interesting. Mine have been on there without any problems for at least five years. I've been doing this for 20 or so years. Occasionally a boot has torn, but not at the [zip tie] clamp.