When I changed my oil yesterday I noticed that BOTH outer CV boots are torn! This just happened since the last oil change, so I'm sure my joints are still good, but my question is when I replace the boots: does removing the bolts that hold the hub to the strut mess up my alignment? I know the alignment on some cars is adjusted with these bolts and others it is not. What's the deal with a '95 maxima?

Secondly, do both axle shafts just slide out of the transmission easily, or can I replace the boot with the axle in the car.

Lastly, can someone with the shop manual look up the torque specs for the strut bolts and axle nut?

Thanks,

Greg
'95 Maxima, 136,000

 

We don't have camber adjustments (by default). You can buy special camber kits. The steering knuckle bolts are what are typically used to adjust camber - which in our case do not allow adjustment. So as long as you are not lowering or messing with the tie-rods, just replacing the boots should not require an alignment.

 

I'll have to disagree on that, I did my driver side cv boot and now it pulls to that side.

 

Strut to knuckle bolts 103 - 117 ft. lb.
axle nut 174 - 231 ft. lb.

 

Interesting. Like I said, there are no factory adjustments on our car except toe-in. The only way toe-in would be affected by the CV shaft is if you got a shaft of a slightly different length - so I guess its possible. Even one-thread of length will affect toe-in...

Notice though, in my post, I specifically stated that if he was only replacing the boots, an alignment wouldn't be required. If the entire shaft is being replaced, an alignment is probably a good idea.

 

I'd still like to know if you guys replaced the boot with the axle shaft still in the car, or if it is necessary to remove the shaft. The only reason I ask is that if I remove the shaft I would have to drain the transmission, and I just replaced my transmission fluid with Amsoil last summer. That stuff is expensive and I would hate to have to buy 4 more quarts when the stuff in the tranny is practically new.

Thanks,

Greg

 

No reason to remove the shaft off the car - other than to make the job easier.

 

I don't see how you will take the actual joint off without accidentally pulling it out of the tranny. I tried to do it myself, you need a slide hammer to get the joint off. Ended up having to take the axle to a mechanic to take the joint off and change the boot for me. All this means nothing if somehow you are going to use a speedy boot.

 

I thought there were three bolts on the bracket that you have to undo before you can pull the shaft out of the transmission... I've not done this myself - so pardon my ignorance

 

You would have to take the CV joint apart on to get a boot on, which is much easier on a bench.