JHupp

Hi, I searched, but couldnt trun up too much info on this. I wanted to lube up the outer CV boots right where they connect to the hub. I have the 1" diff drop, but I have about 3" lift front, and I know the boots tend to crack and tear as they get older. I assume that if the rubber could be kept lubed, either by WD40 or PB Blaster, that they would not dry out as quick, and therefore would not crack as easily. I know though, that on certain types of rubber, that WD40 is really bad for, like the o-rings in dirt bike chains. Anyone have any suggestions for keeping the CV boots lubed up front to keep them from drying/cracking, or should I just not worry about it? I'm just a little worried, because compared to stock, the CVS sit at a greater angle, and I have driven for 1 year with 2.5" no diff drop, and about 6 months with 3" and a 1" diff drop, and the CVs look great, just a little preventitive maintenance. This in a 3rd gen runner by the way. Thanks, sorry if I missed anything in the search.

AH64ID

what about armorall? We use it on the hydraulic hoses on our commercial fishing boat in ak, there 16 years old and look better the 2 year old ones with no pretection....

Robinhood150

I would think that any wet lubricant you put on the outside of the boots would attract dirt which would just abrade the boot away.

AH64ID

even if its a rubber protectant?

Robinhood150

Armorall seems to attract dirt so sure, why not? The boots normally have fine dust particles, but once you put oil or something on there you'll start attracting courser, sharper dirt particles. At least that's my theory.

AH64ID

Depends on how thich you apply it... If you get them clean, put a little on and make sure theres no esxcess, and you didnt apply it excessivly. Also mud wont stick...but i see what your saying...

JHupp

Ahh, makes sense, guess I'll just live with them the way they are now. I have gotten almost 80k out of my CVs allready, and when they go it will just be an excuse to swap out for manual setup from a Taco anyway. Thanks for the info though.

AH64ID

dont plan on them going out anytime soon, by buddy has 200K on his 95 taco with original CV's and boots, and no hubs... With about 3.5" lift and a 1" diff drop.

JHupp

Damn, definately makes me feel better in terms of reliability, guess I probably don't need those manual hubs anyway.

Bobakazi

I know that mineral oil is not bad on rubber at all, and is a great lube. Also any brand tire shine would work. As far as putting it on the outside of the boots, it would probably help, but it would wear off and you would have to apply it often. Personally, I do not think it would be worth the effort of regular cleaning and re-applying. I have never tried it though, so maybe today I will spray some tire shine on them and see how long it lasts.