drivetrain

CV Boot - Inner

for 2015 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

2.0 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers replacement of the inner CV boot on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 RWD, which requires removing the driveshaft from the rear differential.

Warnings

⚠Vehicle must be on level ground when checking differential fluid level to ensure proper fill.

⚠Do not use petroleum-based solvents on CV boot - will damage rubber. Use only brake cleaner or parts cleaner.

ℹ️This procedure assumes rear-wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive models require different procedures.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (20-300 Nm range)Essential

1/2 inch drive ratchet and socket setEssential

Drain pan (2 quart minimum)Essential

CV boot clamp tool or pliersEssential

Wire brush

Parts cleaner and rags

Pry bar

Marking paint or chalk

Parts

Inner CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Motorcraft TA-22 or equivalent RTV

Fluids

Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Chock front wheels
Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
Allow differential to cool if vehicle was recently driven

Procedure

1
Mark driveshaft alignment
Use marking paint or chalk to mark the alignment of the driveshaft yoke to the differential pinion flange. This ensures proper phasing during reassembly and prevents driveline vibration.
2
Remove driveshaft from differential
Remove the four bolts securing the driveshaft universal joint straps to the differential pinion flange. Support the driveshaft and carefully slide it rearward to separate it from the differential. Lower the front of the driveshaft and rest it on the crossmember or suspend with wire to prevent damage.
Torque spec
Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3
Drain differential fluid (optional but recommended)
If desired for cleaner work area, place drain pan under differential cover. Remove the differential cover bolts in a crisscross pattern, starting from the top. Allow fluid to drain completely. Clean the cover and housing mating surfaces with wire brush and parts cleaner.
⚠Gear oil may be hot if vehicle was recently driven. Fluid will drain quickly once bottom bolts are loosened.
Torque spec
Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4
Inspect CV joint and shaft
With driveshaft accessible, inspect the inner CV joint for damage, excessive wear, or contamination. Check the shaft for straightness and surface damage. Clean the CV joint housing exterior with parts cleaner.
5
Remove old CV boot clamps
Cut or release the old CV boot clamps on both the large (housing) and small (shaft) ends using appropriate clamp tool or side cutters. Slide the old boot away from the CV joint toward the center of the shaft.
6
Clean CV joint and shaft
Wipe away old grease from the CV joint, housing, and shaft using clean rags and parts cleaner. Inspect the joint for wear, scoring, or damage. Check that the tripod bearings move freely without binding or excessive play. Do not disassemble the CV joint unless replacement is necessary.
7
Install new CV boot
Slide the new boot onto the shaft from the center, positioning it over the CV joint area. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits properly in the grooves on both the shaft and housing.
8
Pack CV joint with grease
Apply the grease supplied in the boot kit into the CV joint housing, ensuring all bearing surfaces are completely coated. Use all grease provided in the kit - typically the entire packet. Work grease into the tripod bearings and around the housing interior.
9
Position and clamp boot
Position the boot fully into the grooves on both ends. Install the small clamp on the shaft end first, ensuring proper tension. Then install the large clamp on the housing end. Ensure boot is not twisted and has proper amount of air inside - not over-inflated or collapsed. Tighten both clamps securely using the appropriate clamp tool.
10
Reinstall differential cover (if removed)
If differential cover was removed, clean both mating surfaces thoroughly. Apply new gasket or RTV sealant as specified. Install cover and torque bolts in crisscross pattern to specification. Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before filling if applicable.
Torque spec
Differential Cover Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11
Refill differential
If drained, refill differential with Motorcraft 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil through the fill plug opening until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Install and tighten fill plug. Approximately 2 quarts capacity.
12
Reinstall driveshaft
Align the marks made during removal to ensure proper phasing. Guide the driveshaft yoke onto the differential pinion flange. Install the universal joint strap bolts and torque evenly in a crisscross pattern to specification.
Torque spec
Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the correct sequence
Verify driveshaft alignment marks match and there is no binding or interference
Check differential fluid level with vehicle on level ground
If RTV sealant was used on differential cover, wait appropriate cure time before driving

Verification

Lower vehicle and test drive at various speeds to verify no vibration or noise from driveline
Check for fluid leaks around differential cover and CV boot after test drive
Inspect CV boot clamps to ensure they remain properly seated and tight
Verify no grease leakage from boot after driving