Bike100Miles

Thank You 6ULDV8
This tool seems like a great idea. Will see if local auto store has this tool.
I only soaked bolt for about 24 hrs and pounded on nut threaded to end with a 3# sledge ;-)

...Now to find right tool to compress the ring clamp....
Bike100miles

howdeeaudi98

Mine popped out.. must be the Calif weather doesn't do that "salted road" trick on them. Sorry you had to do that maneuver.

schwa

I need to do both of my outer boots. I have a Bentley CD but I'd love a tech write-up with pictures. I'm sure it will be one of those tech articles that gets a lot of views, with the CV boots being such a common issue.

Niro

If you choose to remove lower control arms make sure you install them correctly. If you tighten control arm bushing bolts with the wheel up in the air (suspension fully extended) you will damage the bushing over time. When you place the car on the ground the control arm will go up and twist the bushing rubber. Make sure you tighten the bushing bolts with the suspension collapsed as if the car would sit on the ground. To do that you may need to place a jack under the suspension and lift the car up, off the stands. This method works in general but you will not be able to compress the suspension as much as with the car sitting on the wheel, it will get you close enough. On top of all this to do it correctly you would need an alignment if you remove lower control arms from bushings.
And here is another suggestion to help in removing the bolt that holds top ball joints. It is hard to explain (a picture is 1000 words) but if you look at the upper carrier where the bolt goes through 3 sections (separated by cuts). Try to use a large screwdriver or pry bar and push it between the two cuts (one for each ball joint) on the wheel carrier, and push them apart. You can use some leverage if you find a screwdriver that is a good fit. Be careful not to damage the rubber boot on the ball joints or break the screwdriver. Use lots of WD40.
Good luck

6ULDV8

The same goes for removing any type of ball joint.

de99a6q

When removing the steering tie rod, note how far it is inserted in the hub carrier. It is usually easy to tell because the exposed part will be rusty, and the part inserted will be clean and shiny. The insertion depth is set when the car is aligned to adjust bump steer, so you want to get it back the same so an alignment isn't required. Detach the lower control arm (the one behind the axle) at the body attachment point. Soak the bolt with pb blaster before loosening.

Not hard, and replacing the boot is straight forward once the shaft is out.

NAPA is a good source for the 12 point bit required to disconnect the inboard cv from transmission output flange.

Dana

99 A6Q