Henry,
thickness of the boo
Henry,
thickness of the boots are really not an issue.
The procedure for removing/installing is whats important to access the bolts properly and as easily as possible.
Starting with removing an inner joint:
1- CV is positioned with first bolt positioned at 2 or 10 o'clock, which angles the boot folds out of the way, lock tab bent back on models so equiped, screwdriver or simular tool slipped into a rotor slot near caliper to lock everything in place, appropriate socket inserted on fastner (*tip, it is reccomended to use 1/2 inch drive) with appropriate extension, then break loose first bolt, but don't remove entirely. Continue around until all inner bolts are loose but not removed and left with a few threads engaged.
2- proceed to outer joint, with fasteners positioned at 5 or 7, lock rotor and loosen all fasteners completely but leaving 2 bolts slightly engaged in the joint opposite each other, then turn rotor and release all inners, then the remaining outers and wiggle axle out.
3- install axle in vice using soft jaws, remove inner & outer boot clamps and slide down axle, now all bolts can be easily removed.
4- remove snap ring and drive off CV joint, being careful to note the concave spring washer on the inside and the position of the slightly raised lip on the inner CV race. It is extremely important this washer and lip are reinstalled in the position they come apart (concave out/race lip in) as this is how the CV is held on with pressure.
5- after CV joint is removed the boot slides off the axle. If both joints are not being replaced the other boot can be taken off and replaced with just one joint off also. If both joints are being replaced make sure axle inner & outer & R&L are marked for same replacement.
6- to replace boots grease lightly the inner lip and slide over axle tip, (sometimes a scewdriver inserted thru the small opening and rotated around the axle end helps the boot pop on easily), slide the boot down the axle, install all bolts and washers/flanges, grease CV in & out, then install boots & clamps.
7- axle installation is reverse of removal
*Note: it has been found helpful to leave the small end boot clamp off to allow release of pressure that builds up inside the boots as they are heated up during use.
