CV joint clamps

[JWPATE]

Almost without exception, when one examines a Porsche
replacement part, the quality is as good as it gets.

Then there is this little item! This is the “clamp” for the large end
of CV joint boots. Even the last VW clamps I remember using had
a provision for actually clamping down and preventing water
getting into the boots or moly grease getting out. I can see no
way to gain much clamping force from this little strap device
though. Am I missing something?

It’s no big deal, I know. Still I wonder if anyone has a source for
better designed boot clamps; something with the old-style crush
ears perhaps. They are 73 mm dia.

[Don Plumley]

This brings back an old memory. When I rebuilt the CV's on my 87 a few years ago, two of the kits that that style clamp. I ended up reusing the factory parts as I felt they did a better job of sealing.

Of course, you could probably use zip ties just as well...

[JWPATE]

Yes, and the surprising thing here - That photo IS THE Porsche Part.

I thought the same thing you did......A zip tie would do as well as that thing!

[JasonAndreas]

Originally posted by JWPATE
I can see no way to gain much clamping force from this little strap device though. Am I missing something?

Look at some of the tightening tools used with Band-it jr or rollband clamps, you tighten by turning. The problem is that the Porsche strip clamps are cut real short and don't work with standard tools. I've gone through every single page of the Porsche tool catalog and can't find the proper tool.

Originally posted by JWPATE
A zip tie would do as well as that thing!

If you can find a zip-tie with dimples that grab the boot...

[JWPATE]

Yes Jason, I agree that if the 73 mm strip clamps were perhaps
another 10mm in lenght it would help.

What I really would like to find is the older style clamps with holes for
a tool to pull the ends together and engage a locking tab, then an ear to pinch and really gain a proper seal.

I found just such a clamp style but it was 97 mm. Have not yet located
a decent clamp in 73 mm.

[JWPATE]

THE RIGHT STUFF

This set from EMPI in Anaheim, CA looks to be one of those rare cases, where after market is superior to OEM.

Notice the ring of holes in the clamp, allowing a pincher tool to pull the clamp tightly around the CV joint boot. Then the ear is pinched to provide a truly tight clamp.

Couldn’t find any way to source only the clamps, and EMPI will not sell direct – must find a distributor. Even so, the complete kit seen here costs less than the OEM clamps alone. Obtained these from:

mod: Removed competitive supplier name. Suggest asking Pelican for the EMPI kit (which I believe they have supplied in the past).

[Leland Pate]

Good to see another Pate behind the wheel of a Porsche!

[JWPATE]

Hi Leland,
As luck would have it, we shall be passing nearby next week on
our way to visit family in Berlin.
James