This procedure covers replacement of the inner CV boot on the rear driveshaft of a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine and rear-wheel drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit with clamps and grease × 1 — Use OEM specification
• CV joint grease × 1 — Included in boot kit or use OEM specification
• Shop towels × 1 — Standard

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Ensure adequate working clearance under vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Before removing any components, use a marker or paint pen to mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the rear differential flange. This ensures proper alignment during reinstallation and maintains driveline balance.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft from differential
   Remove the four U-joint strap bolts connecting the rear U-joint to the differential flange. Support the driveshaft while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping. Carefully lower the rear of the driveshaft and move it aside to access the CV joint area.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove damaged inner CV boot clamps
   Using CV boot clamp pliers or diagonal cutters, carefully remove both the large and small clamps securing the inner CV boot. If the boot is severely damaged, cut it away to access the CV joint. Wipe away excess grease with shop rags.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage the CV joint housing or shaft when removing clamps.
4. 4

   Slide boot back and mark CV joint position
   Slide the old boot back along the shaft away from the CV joint. Before disassembling the joint, mark the position of the inner race, cage, and housing with a paint pen to ensure correct reassembly orientation. This is critical for proper CV joint operation.
5. 5

   Remove CV joint from shaft
   The inner CV joint is typically a tripod or double-offset design. For tripod joints, remove the circlip retaining the joint to the shaft using snap ring pliers. Slide the tripod assembly off the shaft. For ball-type joints, you may need to rotate the inner race and remove balls individually before extracting the cage and race. Keep all components organized and clean.
   ℹ️Take photos during disassembly to reference during reassembly if needed.
6. 6

   Clean CV joint components
   Thoroughly clean all CV joint components including the housing, tripod or ball assembly, and shaft using shop rags and a suitable solvent or parts cleaner. Inspect all components for wear, pitting, or damage. Replace the entire CV joint assembly if any component shows excessive wear.
7. 7

   Install new boot on shaft
   Remove the old boot completely from the shaft. Slide the new small clamp onto the shaft first, followed by the new CV boot. Position the small end of the boot in the groove on the shaft but do not tighten the clamp yet.
8. 8

   Reassemble CV joint
   Pack the CV joint housing with approximately half of the supplied CV grease from the boot kit. Reinstall the inner race, cage, and balls (or tripod assembly) onto the shaft in the exact orientation marked during disassembly. Install the retaining circlip if applicable. Add the remaining grease to fill the boot, ensuring the CV joint has adequate lubrication.
9. 9

   Position and secure CV boot
   Pull the large end of the boot over the CV joint housing and seat it in the housing groove. Ensure the boot is not twisted. Slide the large clamp into position. Before tightening clamps, equalize air pressure in the boot by inserting a small flathead screwdriver under the boot lip to allow excess air to escape, then remove the tool.
   ℹ️The boot should not be ballooned or collapsed when clamped. Proper air equalization prevents premature boot failure.
10. 10

    Secure boot clamps
    Using CV boot clamp pliers or the appropriate clamp tool, tighten both the small and large clamps securely. Ensure clamps are seated properly in the boot grooves and will not slip. Low-profile clamps should be crimped; band-type clamps should be tightened and bent back. Verify the boot cannot be pulled off by hand.
11. 11

    Reinstall driveshaft to differential
    Carefully guide the rear of the driveshaft back to the differential flange, aligning the marks made during disassembly. Install the U-joint straps and bolts finger-tight first. Verify alignment marks match, then torque the strap bolts evenly in a cross pattern to specification.
    ⚠Misalignment of the driveshaft can cause vibration and premature component failure. Ensure alignment marks are properly matched.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify installation
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand to ensure the CV joint operates smoothly through its full range of motion without binding. Check that all clamps are secure and the boot is properly seated. Verify all fasteners are tightened to specification.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks on driveshaft and differential flange are properly matched
2. Verify U-joint strap bolts are torqued evenly in cross pattern to prevent binding
3. Confirm CV boot is not twisted and clamps are fully seated in boot grooves
4. Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area

Verification

• Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks
• Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature in Park
• With foot firmly on brake, shift transmission through all gears to verify no abnormal sounds from driveline
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for clicking, popping, or vibration from the rear driveline
• Perform figure-eight turns in both directions at low speed to verify CV joint operates smoothly under articulation
• After test drive, inspect the new CV boot for any signs of grease leakage or clamp movement
• Re-check U-joint strap bolt torque after test drive to ensure they have not loosened

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