Replacing the driveshaft boots

[John Simister]

Hello to all

The driveshaft rubber boots, both outer and inner, are starting to split on my S2 HF (which has the early S1-type driveshafts). Can I replace them without removing the shafts from the hubs? It looks to me that if I undo the shafts from the gearbox and, if necessary, undo either the bottom ball joints or the inner wishbone bolts to give extra working space, I should then be able to tap off the inner CV joints and then slide off both inner and outer boots.

Am I right or must the whole shaft come out? I haven't got the required hub nut spanner and was hoping to do the job myself without it.

Thanks

John Simister

[tim]

Best to invest in a special S1 hub nut "spanner". Its easier to work on the shaft when completly off the car.

Take care as if the nut is up real tight then you could damage the "spanner". Dont forget to remove the dowel safe system.

Inners dont wear much so probably originals and ready for replacement. Outers are easiest replaced in my experience by removing the inner CV (outer CV has a cirslip buried which is sometimes difficult to seperate shaft from CV).

Outer CV boot must have low profile clip or it will foul lower swivel joint and fail.

Good luck

Tim

[neil cundy]

Also S1 inner boots are not that easy to get. Cavalitto carry them, but most others don't. What diameter are your shafts 20 or 27mm ?? If 20 make sure you save the little make up piece that fills the gap between the shaft and the boot ( most boots are, and were, the same diameter - regardless of shaft diameter), although Omicron sell outers that fit the competition drive shafts. And it would be wise to get some of the retaining spring clips (that locate the shaft in the pot-joint) from Omicron before you start, incase they are broken or bent (they only cost pence).