CV boot fasteners?

tommo · Post by **tommo** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:02 pm

Hey,

I'm guessing a lot of people on here have done there fair share of changing CV boots over the years, so what do you use to hold them on there?

The kits I've bought come with metal strap things, but I could never get them tight enough with just pliers and vicegrips and stuff. So I asked about a tool to tighten them and was quoted $60!!
I couldn't justify that sort of money for something like that so I've just been using some nice big chunky zip/cable ties.

Only problem with this is that they don't seem to be holding well enough on one boot cause I've got grease spewin out everywhere.

As always, appreciate any feedback.

Cheers,
Tom.

Suba · Post by **Suba** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:18 pm

The stainless fasteners are as you say a pain to do up really tight without the correct tool , I have however never had a problem with them leaking grease , I just use plyers and a screw driver, have stabed myself many times doing them .
I think if you are replaceing them regually it would be a great investment.

Mike.

tim_81coupe · Post by **tim_81coupe** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:51 pm

Shop around, I've seen them a lot cheaper than $60.

I use two pairs of pliers, a pair of combinations to pull the strap and a pair of needle nose to close the tabs.

I don't use a screwdriver because then I will stab myself Mike

.

SuBaRiNo · Post by **SuBaRiNo** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:26 pm

Repco sell the tool... cost me about $50 i think... and saved me well over double that in grease and joints... i love it... DEFINATLY worth getting the right tool... especially if your going to stick with Subarus for a while.

My only regret is not buying one sooner.

Dave

BlackMale · Post by **BlackMale** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:07 pm

I have used the metal bands (only) and the screwdrive technique and yes be careful to not stab yourself (as Tim does).

This being said i think that the 50+ bucks on 1 of these tools is worth the money and i have been meaning to get 1 (only have about 6 shafts at home that need new boots).

Dave has been raving about his (although i am yet to see it) and its a quality tool so its going to last a while (unless your not planning on keeping the Subaru then it may be a little pointless).

waggaclint · Post by **waggaclint** » Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:45 pm

ive got one of those tools as well there really good hey ive had mine for about 6yrs and its still going strong...and id probably replace on average 4 or 5 boots a week since ive had the tool.....highly recommended...

tommo · Post by **tommo** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:28 pm

Well I'm doing some tomorrow so I guess I'll try the metal bands again.
But also get one of those tools the next time I do the whole car. Sounds like it would be worth it after all.

Cheers all.

Smokey · Post by **Smokey** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 10:16 am

Ive seen a few different types of tools. Do those that use them have the Repco one? Also where do you get the clamps from as I'll be using a boot from a parts car. Can the tool be used on a CV that's still in/on the car?

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 11:38 am

sounds like the basis of a new posting "what are your best tools"

Post by **Alex** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:07 pm

big cable ties or big massive hose clamps...

i have one of those tools and yes they do work very very well, saves alot of stuffing around.

alex

Subafury · Post by **Subafury** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 12:28 pm

waggaclint wrote:ive got one of those tools as well there really good hey ive had mine for about 6yrs and its still going strong...and id probably replace on average 4 or 5 boots a week since ive had the tool.....highly recommended...

4 or 5 a week!! these arent all on the subaru are they, or have been offroad breaking them with out telling us haha

ive seen a cheaper version at malz (wa only store) for $30, looks a bit daunting to use first time but yeh they r great.

Matatak · Post by **Matatak** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 1:15 pm

the one we use at work looks basic i got no idea wt price it was or where it came from but as every1 else says.....saves so much trouble.

definitely wasn't around 60 for it as that wuld be a rip-off

Post by **Alex** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 1:20 pm

there is also a different type of clamp you can get, really hard to describe, my L has them on the rear cv's..i spose you could explain it like a watch, you double it back on itself and it then clips in..(im sure most of you have seen them?)

alex

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 2:29 pm

Last year when I did break one CV boot fasteners and it was Saturday night and I needed the car next day, so I used cable ties a real thick one (i'd say about 6mm wide) and used pliers to tighten them up real tight, It didnt spew any grease or anything - after I did that I've done about 4 CVs boots with cable ties and its still fine today, I must admit I do need to buy the correct tool..
Cheers
AP

PS - Cable Ties is a good handy thing to keep in tool box in case yours breaks.

Matatak · Post by **Matatak** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:03 pm

Alex wrote:there is also a different type of clamp you can get, really hard to describe, my L has them on the rear cv's..i spose you could explain it like a watch, you double it back on itself and it then clips in..(im sure most of you have seen them?)

alex

yer i no wt ur talking bout
we usually get them at work on the old cv boots and before we had the tool for the gay ones they put in the kits we use to reuse them

mattl200 · Post by **mattl200** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 6:50 pm

i use stainless steel cable ties i get from work
most electrical wholesalers can get them but there not chep
1 or 2 dollars each

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Sun Jun 17, 2007 8:45 pm

weird thing came in my mind - about 4 years ago I was asked to do this task to replace the boots, I was stunned to see them with hose clamps on them, they would've made serious vibrations wouldnt it! so I took them to get professionally done & replaced to normal ones.
Cheers
AP

SUBYDAZZ · Post by **SUBYDAZZ** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:00 pm

If you've sen the tools someone who is handy with metal could probably fabricate one for under $20. Some are a very simple design. the one I have (wasn't from Repco) cost about $15 from memory - don't remember where from. It is a metal plate with one end resembling tweezer tips the have been bent up 90deg (band goes through this to hold against CV) then 6 or 7cm up the plate is a free spinning deep bolt head with a deep straight cut through one diameter. You place the band through this also and tighten with a spanner or socket - draws the band tighter through the tips. Still need pliers to bend down tabs but they work a treat. I might get some photos later if anyone is interested.

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 7:46 pm

Can someone show homemade one here?
Cheers
AP