aftermarket bands should be fine. Make sure they are fully and evenly seated and keep as much grease off the boot seating area as possible.

are you able to split the spline shaft from the axle on the highlander to get the new boot on?

 

aftermarket bands should be fine. Make sure they are fully and evenly seated and keep as much grease off the boot seating area as possible.

are you able to split the spline shaft from the axle on the highlander to get the new boot on?

I have not separated the joint yet. There are some clips that need to be removed and have seen a few online videos that shows it can be done. I have wanted to take a CV axle apart and historically have bought Cardone remanufactured axles. That product has been great but I figured since I had these off the car and they were in good shape minus the rubber boots were getting hard ....let's replace the boots before they crack and need replacing. Any tips I need to be aware of?

 

Which tool are you referring to from Toyota that cost $200?

This should probably work just fine:

Amazon.com: Laser CV Boot Clamp Pliers : Tools & Home Improvement

Buy Laser CV Boot Clamp Pliers: Power & Hand Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

This is the special tool that was referred to in the manual:
09521-24010 - DRIVE SHAFT BOOT CLAMPING TOOL (service-solutions.com). The hyper link did not work...the tool number is 09521-24010.

The band clamp that came with the rubber boot looks like this. I am wondering if I manually fold it over and call it done. I am likely being slow learner but I do not see how the Toyota tool or other tools can work....

.

 

Oh, the one touch clamps, you don't need any tools for those, just fold the end over and tap the tabs down to secure it!
Toyota uses different types of clamps on the axle joints, depending on suppliers; the tool you posted is for a different type of clamps:

Amazon.com: MIKKUPPA CV Boot Clamp - Universal Adjustable Stainless Steel Drive Shaft Joint kit - Pack of 8 : Automotive

Buy MIKKUPPA CV Boot Clamp - Universal Adjustable Stainless Steel Drive Shaft Joint kit - Pack of 8: CV Boot Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

BTW, take some picture of the axle, pretty sure someone will give you suggestion on how you can replace the boots.

 

Nice. I measured the old clamp after I posted my note. The measurements showed that I can simply fold it over. Appreciate the note affirming this approach. Seems like a good design versus using a special tool. I will start taking apart the old CV axles this weekend. Hopefully it will have a successful outcome and will feel a sense of satisfaction as I will certainly get my hands dirty (I will wear some gloves!).

 

Just a side note, some of the CV joints cannot be taken apart easily, you might have to slide the boot on from the tri-pod joint end of the shaft!

Good luck and have fun!

This may help:

Toyota Highlander Service Manual: Drive shaft / propeller shaft / axle - Drive shaft / propeller shaft

www.tohighlander.com

 

Thanks for taking the time to provide the information on the assembly and torque values. This website is an amazing resource!

 

The one-touch style clamp is interesting and looks like you just bend thick end over and clamp it. If the boots come with other types of clamps (more commonly called Oetiker brand's ear-type and non-ear type), then parts store will have free loaner tools. Same for the common aftermarket double-band type clamps.

Just make sure before banding up the inner joint, make sure the length of the axles are as specified. Burp the boots if necessary so you'll have the least stress on the boots while in operation (that the boots are not been unncessarily extended or compressed).

And torque the axle nut with the wheel off the ground to spec. Get a helper on the brakes to hold the axle. To make sure the wheel bearing will have its longest life.

I also add a little more grease (say 0.5 oz) than the upper spec limit. But that's just me. And you might want to change out the inner axle seals while at it.

If the boots are intact, then I personally would not remove the outer joint to clean it. I would just wipe off the grease off the outer (after moving the inner joint so you can slide the outer boot over) and pack in the new grease. If you don't plan to disassemble it then don't just spray brake cleaner into the outer joint as it won't flush out completely and will eventually ruin the grease, joint and boot.

Here's a member's inner boot replacement thread on the Corolla. But there are some discussions on tools and he's got some pictures on holding the hub and such that may be useful.
Replacing inner CV boot instead of whole axle?

 

Completed the job over the weekend. I might need to take the end that connects to the differential. I put all of the grease that came with the kit from Toyota into the appropriate ends. The tube came with 198 grams of grease and after reading the service manual it says that only 150 grams are needed......ughh.

 

It will be fine, the amount you put in might be close to what Toyota indicated than you think! Just keep an eye on it!