axel boot

[celica91]

I noticed today that the inner boot on my axel (91 celica) was torn off on one end. That axel doesn't make any noise, and doesn't act like it is wearing out.. could I just clean the joint up, put on some new grease and stick a new boot on it? If not, I can replace the axel myself (has 135,000 on it, so might as well replace the whole thing), with one exception.. CHilton says i need an sst no. 09950-20017. What is this, where can i get one and can i rent it from say autozone?

[Noobified]

Clean up the extra grease that moved off the axle/down the axle. Do not remove the grease that is still in the boot, this can cause it to be noisy. Fill it with grease and put a new boot on, make sure to leave the old grease that was still left on the axle. If its not squeaking or knocking yet, that means it should still be clean inside the boot enough to save it.

[celica91]

to replace the inner boot, will i still have take the axel out of the hub and take the tie rod ends apart?

[hachi-rocu]

there should be a nut 30mm in the center of the hub take that off and I believe three bolts at the bottom of the hub (17?mm)

you should have to take off any tie rods

[hachi-rocu]

post if you need any more help

[celica91]

sorry if these are all lowball questions that cause you to get bored while answering. I've never done the cv boots before. the chilton manual says to pull the tie rod ends apart. Other forums say unbolt the strut so the hub just flops out of the way. I like your method best. So you are saying that all i need to do is remove the nut in the center of the hub, and the three under it, and that will give the hub enough play for me to take the axel out? IS there an oil seal where the axle enters the transaxel? can i reuse it? Also, i have to drain the transaxle right? how to I fill it again since there doesn't seem to be room for a bottle and a funnel? thanks again for your help!!

[celfatic]

The sst that your buddy is talking about is a tool that helps tigheten the clamp to keep the axle boot in place once you put in the new on. THats the only tool that comes to mind besides using cutter plyers to take off the old clamps. Don't remember the name of the tool but you cant rent one, i think autozone sells it for about 10 bucks or so.

[Doctor J]

It may sound unusual, but careful removal of old clamp will allow to reuse it, perhaps, once.
The OEM boot clamps are superior in quality to those requiring pliers to close/crimp

[celica91]

well tomorrow is it. I'm just going to change the whole axle.. might as well. I'll have the thing torn apart anyway. All shoudl go well as long as I don't have to take the tie rod joint apart. even goign to heat and wax the rusty bolts on the control arm. We'll see what happens

[toyomoho]

A lot of people also just change the axle out; it does not take any more time. Dirt or debris could have gotten into the joint, causing eventual joint failure.