CV joint boot DIY question

[gchappel]

I pulled the rear axle last night to replace a torn cv boot. Thanks guys for giving me enough confidence to try this- I like working on the car, but was always worried about getting in over my head. I should mention the dealer replaced this boot about 6 months ago, but it tore again. Do I need to clean out all the residual grease (6months old), and if so what should I clean the cv joint itself with? Or, can I just replace the boot, add some grease and let her go?
BTW- getting that axle nut off was a B#*@h! I learned that a 3 foot long pipe can bend a 1/2" breaker bar, but the bolt didn't budge. I borrowed a neighbors impact wrench, and it came off in 15 seconds- I need to get one of these!
Boots are due in monday- from Pelican, of coarse!
Gary


[This message has been edited by gchappel (edited 10-28-2001).]

[gchappel]

Second question-
I have heard that one reason a CV boot might constantly retear ( this is tear 4 for me in about a year is due to the grease getting slung around when the car is driven hard at the track. Any comments?
This same fellow mentioned that if your snuggly put zip ties around the boot, around the small part of the bellows- that this can help strenthen the boot and prevent these tears?
News to me, has anyone heard or tried this before- I was thinking of trying it, for I don't see how it could hurt anything.
thanks again
Gary

[psychotron]

I would deffinately clean it thoroughly and reassemble. I beleive the spec is 2.5oz of moly grease, but i just work it in there good and put some in the boot. I'm sure someone will chime in with a better way.

As far as the ripping goes, something is very wrong. After you reinstall the axle i would jack the wheel up to normal height and see if anything is nearby to do the damage, cause that would have to be some fast moving grease.

[This message has been edited by psychotron (edited 10-28-2001).]