Alright, I'm attempting to replace the outer CV boot on the longer axle. The autozone site says to separate it with a slide hammer, which I don't have. Any suggestions on how to pop off the end so I can put a new boot on?

 

Have you checked Matt's write up yet?

 

dissassemble the inner joint. slide outer boot off from inside end. clean both joints, replace both boots, and repack both with clean grease.

 

"follow instructions that came with your CV boot on replacing the boots.
Actually, my instructions showed you pictures of all the above and didn't say
$hit about how to change the boot!"

A quote from your "how to" on CV Boots, Matt. Unfortunately, my boots did not come with any instructions, so now I'm trying to figure out how to pop the inner joint out.

 

I've done this job a few times. You don't have to remove the entire axle in order to replace the boot. It's a pretty easy job. If your CV joints aren't ticking, I would just replace the boot. It only takes $10 and an hour.

Remove wheel and hub to expose the axle. Pull on the end of the axle with your left hand and hit the outer CV joint on the backside to pop it lose. A normal hammer won't cut it. I use a mini sledge. Worked great. Popped lose on the first real swing.

Replace boot and repack with new grease. Hopefully, you have the proper tool to tighten the band to keep the boot on. It depends on what kind of strap it is.

 

I have the axles out and sitting on a bench. I'm just having trouble with how you actually separate the joints to replace the boots. This is something I have never done, so pardon my ignorance...I just don't see how it comes apart, especially with grease on everything!

 

If you already have them on a bench, that makes it a little harder. But you need to secure it in a vise. And to seperate the outer joint, you will have to really wack it with a sledge hammer. Don't take a full swing with that bad boy... ... you just need the mass behind it.

Once it pops lose for you, you'll understand everything. I hope you have a good repair manual. If you don't have a Factory Service Manual, get one! I recommend that to everyone I talk to. If you work on your Maxima at all, dont' mess with Hayne's or Chilton's!! They are a waste of time. The FSM is the best thing I could have bought for my Maxima.

Search ebay for "maxima manual" and see what you can find. Worth every penny!

 

I have an FSM, but all it say is to separate the joint with a "suitable tool"
I am working with the longer axle and according to Matt's previous post, the outer joint does not disassemble. So you are saying that with a good whack, the inner joint will just pop out?

 

Let me see if I can find a good pic to make sure we are on the same page.

But yes, with a good wack, the outer joint will pop lose from the rod.

 

I will post pics tomorrow, as well. According to Matt, though, the outer joint doesn't come apart. Anyway, pics will clear this thing up...Keep watching!

P.S. Thanks for your help Aaron!

 

I couldn't find a pic. But make sure you follow Matt's write up and you'll be fine... http://www.4dsc.com/articles/drivetr...cv_boots.shtml

 

I don't know what exactly you are reading, but the outer joint does come off.

Remove the old boot by cutting it out of the way. Once you have it removed, then will see where the rod (drive shaft) sticks in the outer joint assembly. If you really wack the backside of the joint, it will pop lose. Then slide the new boot on the drive shaft, repack the joint with grease, pop it back on the shaft (with some force), and you're good to go.

 

This is what I was referring to...I don't have any time to work on the car today, but tomorrow I will try and finish up this particular job.

 

I believe he's referring to replacing both boots. You only want to replace the outer boot.

 

you *can* remove the outer joint, but it's a lot easier to just remove the inner joint and replace both boots at once. If one goes, the other isn't far behind.

 

But separating either one is the same procedure, just "popping" them out with a good whack...right?

 

Yes for the outer joint, the inner one have a snap ring to hold it in place, a "popping" will probably damage it

This pic may give you some idea:

 

to the Newb! I finally took care of it last night. There is also a snap ring that you will need snap ring pliers to get out. The hardest part was tracking down a set.