CV Boot - Inner

Replace the inner CV boot on the rear driveshaft to prevent lubricant loss and contamination of the constant velocity joint.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• CV joint bolts (if corroded or damaged) × 6 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
5. Place drain pan under rear differential
6. Clean area around differential cover and driveshaft connections with brake cleaner

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the driveshaft flange and the differential output flange. This ensures proper balance upon reinstallation and prevents potential vibration issues.
2. 2

   Remove driveshaft from differential
   Remove the six CV joint bolts connecting the inner CV joint to the differential output flange. Support the driveshaft while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping. Carefully pull the driveshaft away from the differential and suspend it with wire or mechanics wire to prevent strain on the outer CV joint.
   ⚠Support the driveshaft weight to prevent damage to the outer CV joint or suspension components.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove old boot clamps
   With the driveshaft accessible, cut or release the inner CV boot clamps using appropriate clamp tool or side cutters. Slide the old boot away from the CV joint housing toward the center of the shaft. Note the position and orientation of the boot for reference during installation.
4. 4

   Clean and inspect CV joint
   Wipe away old grease from the CV joint, housing, and shaft using clean shop rags. Inspect the joint for wear, pitting, or damage. Check the tripod bearings for smooth operation and wear. If any damage is found, the entire CV joint assembly should be replaced. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and allow to dry.
   ⚠If CV joint shows signs of wear, damage, or rough operation, replace the entire driveshaft assembly rather than just the boot.
5. 5

   Install new CV boot
   Slide the new inner CV boot onto the driveshaft from the center, positioning it in the grooves on both the shaft and the CV joint housing. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits properly in all mounting grooves. The boot must have proper clearance and not be stretched or compressed excessively.
6. 6

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack the CV joint with the grease provided in the boot kit. Distribute grease evenly throughout the joint housing and around all bearing surfaces. Use the entire grease packet provided in the kit. Work grease into all contact points of the tripod or ball-type joint to ensure complete lubrication.
   ℹ️Use only the grease provided with the CV boot kit or OEM-specified CV joint grease. Other greases may not be compatible and can cause joint failure.
7. 7

   Secure boot clamps
   Install the new boot clamps in the provided grooves on both ends of the boot. Use the CV boot clamp tool to properly tighten and crimp the clamps. Ensure clamps are secure and the boot cannot slip off during operation. Verify the boot is properly seated and has no twists or folds that could cause premature failure.
8. 8

   Reinstall driveshaft to differential
   Remove the support wire and carefully align the driveshaft flange with the differential output flange using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install all six CV joint bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Apply medium-strength thread locker to bolt threads before installation.
   ℹ️Alignment marks must be matched to maintain driveline balance and prevent vibration.
9. 9

   Torque CV joint bolts
   Torque the six CV joint bolts in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force. First pass at 30 Nm, then final torque to specification. Verify all bolts are properly seated and torqued.
   Torque spec

   CV Joint Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Check differential fluid level
    If any differential fluid was lost during the procedure, top off the rear differential with 75W-140 synthetic gear oil through the fill plug until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole. Clean the fill plug threads and reinstall with proper torque if applicable.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand first. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify CV boot clamps are properly secured and boot has no twists or folds
3. Check that driveshaft alignment marks are properly matched
4. Confirm differential fluid level is correct

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at various speeds and listen for clicking, popping, or vibration from the rear driveline
• Check for grease leakage around the new CV boot after initial test drive
• Verify no unusual vibration occurs during acceleration or deceleration
• Inspect boot clamps and boot position after 100 miles to ensure everything remains secure

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