Replace/repack CVs and drive shafts

Barry

Barry

Forum Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2009
Messages
1,775
Location
Melbourne, Vic.
I have thrown a front boot which I need to address, which gives rise to the following questions:
  • Do members re-pack the originals or replace?
  • If replace, do you use;
    • Re-built,
    • OEM;
    • After market;
  • Suppliers in the Melbourne area? (I am wary of horror stories of cheap shafts which snap!)
As always, advice greatfully received.
 
Barry I have repacked the left front and replaced the right front with after market and have had no problems with ether one. Check https://www.rockauto.com/ I buy every thing i can get there.

Nate
 
as long as the joint is not making noise yet i would repack that is my rought but buy quality boot kits. stay away from the plastick boots they fail quick!!!
 
Barry said:
I have thrown a front boot which I need to address..... (I am wary of horror stories of cheap shafts which snap!)
Click to expand...
I've heard & seen it first hand...as too has eden on that trip we did to Abercrombie N.P

I busted my front drivers side back in May this year. I replaced it with OEM.

Don't use the cheap import crap, they are just cheap & nasty & won't last for long.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Regards
Mr Turbo
 
If you fix the boot before any damage is done, then a re-pack should be ok. Yeah- those of us on the Abercrombie NP weekend won't forget the dramas POS drivehafts can cause.
 
I get re-built and have the local NRMA workshop do it - last was about $190 so not worthwhile doing it myself.
 
Kevin said:
I get re-built and have the local NRMA workshop do it - last was about $190 so not worthwhile doing it myself.
Click to expand...
The local Subaru Stealer is quoting:
  • $1200 EACH to supply - for me to fit!
  • $107 for EACH boot!
So, 2 boots from Subaru is more than the entire cost of re-packing at Kevin's NRMA workshop. really! is it with Subaru parts in Victoria?

(A real pity that Hondaslayer is no longer with Hodges Subaru, as they were a great source for parts.)
 
Get an aftermarket universal boot
 
Barry,

I sourced a set of GSP drive shafts (a company in qld I believe) - $175 each for mine. Very happy with them so far, have copped a flogging with the EJ, the RHS is clicking and the LHS needs a boot replaced. Both will cop a re-packing later next week when I get some other parts (bearings all round).

Its now cheaper to buy new aftermarket units - NOT from ebay - than to have your old ones rebuilt!

As for your situation, I'd say re pack them and replace the boots - they're really not difficult to do, just messy while you're trying to work it out. I've taken to using a hose clamp instead of that dodgy ring strap they supply with the boot kit. To make the hose clamp hold onto the boot I also punch a hole in the centre of the clamping strap at about every inch until I get to the section of teeth that I think I'll need to use. Punch from the outside in, this creates a dent with "teeth" for the clamp to bite into the rubber, thus not allowing it to fall off. I've done this to Sunnie the Brumby (on the car too!) and Ruby Scoo will get the same treatment with the next lot of work done - this will really test out the hose clamp idea.

The only boot you can't do this to (on the L series) is the outer clamp of the front outter boots as it won't clear the front hub when it spins...

Cheers

Bennie
 
I have found Autoshaft in Richmond to be very good. He will repack and/or replace with new components as necessary. Have used their remanufactured shafts on my rally car for ~10 years. All good.
 
I fitted some Veale cheapies in the front and the inner cv boots lasted less than 2,000k's so I took them into a cv repair place here in Perth, they pulled them apart, re-packed & put heavy duty boots on for $70 cash.
Seems I got a bargain.
Next time I'll be putting 2nd hand genuine front wheel drive ones on as they are thicker and good ones can be had for $100ea.
 
Do you know what diamater the FWD ones are? I'd be interested to compare them with STI ones I've just installed in the Impreza.
 
I just checked the size of the front shafts on my Forester and compared them to the ones off my WRX. The WRX ones- which are smaller than STI ones, are bigger than the Forester ones.
 
Yeah I'm pretty sure they are obviously bigger than my V3 STI ones, I'll see if a mate has any laying around & hit them with the verniers.
You really think they wouldn't bother as they all fit the same way.
 
The STI ones are by far the biggest, but I can't measure them as my car is at my mates place. It would be interesting as I said before to see where the FWD ones fit in- but I don't know anyone with a FWD Subaru- they haven't sold one here for years.
 
Had both front shafts changed for new today by my mechanic. There seems to be a vibration at low revs in 1st & second when under load.

What would cause that? Seems fine at speed.
 
Rally said:
The STI ones are by far the biggest, but I can't measure them as my car is at my mates place. It would be interesting as I said before to see where the FWD ones fit in- but I don't know anyone with a FWD Subaru- they haven't sold one here for years.
Click to expand...
Yes 89 - 96 Liberty, not too sure if the Impreza had the same size.
 
Ive repacked mine ones, I buy the boots from CBC or SKF and they're $14-$16 each with grease. I have CV joint tool at home that I do it myself, I havent experienced clicking or anything but have two stuffed CV joints from fronts in the garage that needs to be rebuilt - I just got another pair from wreckers as didnt have the time to have the car off the road for repairs, just swapped them over and still going since.
Cheers
AP
 
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