Borrow CV boot clamp tool?

[WildCrustacean]

Going back and watching videos, I think maybe the problem here is I dont actually have OEM axles in the first place. The OEM ones are slightly thicker where the boot clamps on and have grooves in them that mine doesn't have, so that might explain why the OEM boot doesn't quite fit.

 

[rushthezeppelin]

Are you sure you have OEM axles?

 

[rushthezeppelin]

Going back and watching videos, I think maybe the problem here is I dont actually have OEM axles in the first place. The OEM ones are slightly thicker where the boot clamps on and have grooves in them that mine doesn't have, so that might explain why the OEM boot doesn't quite fit.

Yeah that would explain it. If you want some OEM axles I have two that need to be rebooted I could sell to you. You can always order more of the OEM style clamps for pretty cheap.

 

[WildCrustacean]

Yeah that would explain it. If you want some OEM axles I have two that need to be rebooted I could sell to you. You can always order more of the OEM style clamps for pretty cheap.

How much do you want for them? I may have found a way to make the one I have work but need to try something and see. I know the OEM ones are better in general anyway.

I was hoping this would be a short job, but it's looking like I need to replace the dust seal in the axle hub too since it sort of fell apart when I pulled the axle out, so I'll need to track down that part too.

 

[rushthezeppelin]

How much do you want for them? I may have found a way to make the one I have work but need to try something and see. I know the OEM ones are better in general anyway.

I was hoping this would be a short job, but it's looking like I need to replace the dust seal in the axle hub too since it sort of fell apart when I pulled the axle out, so I'll need to track down that part too.

Shoot me a reasonable offer

 

[DaveInDenver]

Are you trying to do that boot stretch thing?

 

[WildCrustacean]

Are you trying to do that boot stretch thing?

I didn't see this message before, im not doing the boot stretch thing, it has an inch or two lift but nothing to make me worried about that upper boot. The lower one was close to cracking on the old axle which is what started all of this.

I made the reboot kit fit through the use of bits of rubber tubing and some hose clamps. Its ugly but mostly holding so far.

I had a hard time with that home depot tool on the pinch clamps, it wanted to only push in one side and was super difficult. It looks like you can get some SST-like tools for like $30 on eBay (probably not well made) but I might give that a try next time.

 

[On the RX]

Just seeing this and may not be much help at this point, but I bought the long handled version of that crimp or nipper tool. The extra leverage made it seem pretty easy. I did have the same issue with only one side starting to crimp but by pulling down towards the side that wasn't crimping changed the angle enough that mine turned out mostly symmetrical.

 

[AlpineAccess]

I have spare outboard boot clamps (the smaller sizes) that are the German style with beveled edges and apply even force. They are worm drive, but don't effect balance and will clamp without cutting the boot. I have clamped many Toyota CV's with them over the years (including new CV's which Toyota's clamps didn't retain grease properly). No leaks and no issues over maybe 100k+ mileage.

You're welcome to a few of them for free. I'm in Loveland.

My neighbor had a few of the OEM clamps and he said he was able to just use an old school PEX clamp tool. Which if it works is hilarious.

I have one of those pex clamp tools as well, so we could see if the clamp is the right size or if he was pulling my leg.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Let's put some of this to rest.

This is the tool I use to crimp my OEM CV boot clamps.

Iwiss F2098/KG1096

KG-1096 PEX SS Ratchet Clamp Cinch Tool Meets ASTM F2098

Meets ASTM F2098 standard Wire EDM cutting processed internal jaw brings reliable connections; the entire tool is constructed of high-quality carbon steel with rust resistance Features a ratcheting mechanism, the clamp tool will not release from the clamp ring unless you make a properly secure...

www.iwiss.com

It's designed to crimp PEX and can be calibrated to do those right. Which is fairly important since the connection is supposed to achieve a 50-year life and you don't want your water lines leaking.





This is the crimp they do, this being the small end of the inner boot on my left side on an axle I rebuilt:


Compared to a factory done new axle, this is the same small end of the inner that I have currently on right side:


Now it might be noted that the SST Toyota recommends the dealer service use may not be the tool they or the supplier uses in the OE factory. I don't have the SST to have a crimp done by that to compare. The SST looks like it would take longer to operate than even a long handled crimp tool so I could very easily believe the factory building them would use something different from both.

Also my new axles came from a U.S. dealer so the N.A. OEM CV axles may be different than the ones from Japan. I would assume the dealer axles I got would be from the same source as a new Tacoma but the 4Runner or GX may get something else during their assembly. I think the EPC repair parts would suggest this, too, since the Tacoma calls for 43430-04071 and the 4Runner is 43430-60090.