Replacing CV boot

[zx6r.j1]

Thanks for all the warning guys. There are two reasons why I need/want to do it myself. The first being my wife actually use the car to drop/get the kids, so I can't take it away from her -- and the second is knowing it's torn I'm not confident enough to drive it to Coburg North as offered (Thanks Drew, I live in Chelsea).

I am planning to follow the service manual. Looks straight-forward but I'll keep you updated. May even come up with a diy article if successful

As advised I went to Repco to get the boot but they did not have any Civic ones, only a 'universal' type which I needed to cut and it's $30. Not convinced, I went to Burson and got the correct one for $15. It looks the business compared to the Repco one, and even use metal straps.

One further question though, how does one unfasten the spindle nut without making the wheel turn ?

[bennjamin]

you do it on the ground (to keep the wheel static) or you use a high powered air tool. ZIPS it off quick smart.

[ECU-MAN]

my only advice is make sure you tighten everything up when your done and MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE SPLIT PINS BACK IN.

search the DIY Section, some one ( Paul ) beat you to the DIY

[zx6r.j1]

Thanks ECU-MAN. I've searched around the web on this "quick method". How do you separate the circlip-attached assembly? By using a hammer or simply prying open the circlip after locating it ?

[Drew]

One further question though, how does one unfasten the spindle nut without making the wheel turn ?

Put the car onto the ground... and undo it

Then putting it back on hand tighten it; lower the car and re tighten and make sure u bash in that notch bit or else it will come off...

You're actually supposed to replace that nut not reuse it

See not taking it to me; you're going to spend a whole day doing it :P

Also use NEW split pins DO NOT reuse them

[ECU-MAN]

if your talking about the circlip on the shaft holding the cv on, yes with a hammer. cution you can damage the joint if you wack the wrong part for too long.

[lines]

Sorry to hi-jack but how would you know it's time to replace CV drive shaft as opposed to just the CV boots? Cheers, Nathan.

[zx6r.j1]

Oooooooooookaaay... the whole thing did take almost a whole day, but that includes going to Supercheap to get 'forgotten supplies' and admiring the intricaties of the thing

It was quite straight forward as the manual says. Take spindle nut off, this bolt, that bolt, etc. And yes it's really messy. Happy to know that there were plenty of grease left in the cv joint. Other thing that made me happy was how the nuts were not dead tight. I remember just taking the knuckle off my old Ford requires considerable amount of brute force. The honda is just so nifty, refined

Some cursing time was needed when undoing the stop circlip. It did not have the gap required to insert a circlip plier so I had to grind the plier thin. Furthermore it does not have correct slant angle. No worries once I took it off I gave it a good whack so next disassembly would be easy

Quite happy with the result considering that I too had the justification to buy a torque wrench to add into my arsenal Tomorrow I will continue with disassembly of the stabilizer, it seems to be making creaky noises on speed humps. Also rear brake inspection ...

Thanks all for the tips !

Sorry to hi-jack but how would you know it's time to replace CV drive shaft as opposed to just the CV boots? Cheers, Nathan.

Do a full steering lock and drive around back and forth. If there is noise, then the cv joint is screwed and that will cost $250 from Honda dealer.

[Dylanamus]

Try Autobarn and/or Repco. I found the outer CV boot kit for 88-91 Civic/CRX there... was under $30 if I recall correctly. Should definitely have one to suit your model. No harm in giving them a call first anyway...

Edit: post too late! haha nonetheless.. for anyone else reading...

Front stabilizer probably consist of ball joint or heim end links.. got the appropriate tools? I know I don't

[Drew]

that will cost $250 from Honda dealer.

Try closer to $400...

Get your old shafts refitted with after market CVs for $80 per side instead

[Blulude98]

Alas, after 160,000km of use the right outer CV boot of my civic has torn. I am planning to replace it myself, but having difficulty sourcing this CV Boot.

From RobertLane, it's $125 and non-stock item
From eBay it's $55 but a complete kit (boot & joint)

Is there anyplace I can buy this Outer CV Boot ? I initially thought it's quite an easy item to buy

I had the asme problem and got mine fully reconditioned and even respayed in black for $40.00. Are you in Melbourne? if so i can tell you where to go and have it done.

[Drew]

Can't you read he's already done it himself