Hi,

I have a 98 tacoma and I'm replacing the CV boots. I had never done this before so I read many writeups here and other places and I have the FSM. I purchased the Toyota boot kits.

I'm almost done but I can't get the large inboard clamp (on the tulip) to close. I don't see how Toyota or Toyotas techs can get this to close, it's not even close unless I'm really doing something boneheaded. This is the only one that is not an "ear" style - you simply close it until a pin snaps into a hole. I'm using a pliers type tool which I suspect is not the right way to do it.

I tried to increase the force by using large conventional pliers to add force to the clamp tool and the CV boot clamp will fail before I get close to closing it far enough (see pic). In fact, I don't think the clamp can even close by this method since the holes for the tool will almost overlap.

I have seen where people use zip ties or hose clamps but I hate to do that. Assuming I'm not doing something wrong would a parts store like NAPA carry an ear style replacement clamp?

Thanks

 

Well, I was about to help you out, but, I have never seen that clamp style before! There are two that I have seen from Toyota, but, never that style!

 

It is bizzare that they would put 3 ear style clamps on the axle and then one non-ear style.

It does however match the ones I took off and I'm the original owner.

Also, in the FSM they don't mention an SST for this clamp.

But thanks anyway!

PS. Why is everyone so civil here? I came from another forum, searched around here and I didn't see any insults or harsh criticism. Posts highly informative and accurate also! On that "other" forum the posts almost always seem to degrade into either insults or go way, way off topic.

 

Your an idiot. If you can't figure out how to use a clamp, you shouldnt be working on the truck. Cut all that IFS junk off and weld in a solid axle. IFS is for sissies.

Is that better?


Seriously though, if you cant get it to work, you can just get a big old worm drive style hose clamp and get it good and tight

 

Someone told me that you just use channel lock pliers around the body of the clamp.

The way I was doing it with those pincer type pliers does not work (obviously) on this type of clamp.

 

Is there any chance you mixed up the clamps for the inner and outer boots? They're labelled with the size, IIRC. Check the other side of the truck ?!?

 

i never have good luck with those style of boots, i always use the foldover style.....

But i do believe that the only way i have ever seen these style put on are with the special tool (ford is a little differant style but would work the same) it hooks to the peice to the left of the "failing peice" and goes all the way around then uses leverage to force the teeth on the lower peice of the clamp together.....so maybe if you could figure something out to wrap the whole thing and get it really tight....that doesnt look nearly tight enough

 

Just out of personal experience, I wouldn't use these style clamp. They aren't quite the right size width for the CV boot. Mine tore through pretty quick after my OEM one slipped off. It was worth a try though since I didn't want to pull the half shaft out!

 

I don't even mess with replacing boots anymore, it's alot easier to just get a new axle if the boots are in rough shape. The cost factor is pretty cheap to just replace the entire axle if you look at what the parts and your time is worth.

 

I agree with MTL_Runner. I bought a brand new axle shaft for $88 cdn at Partsource. Not worth the bother to replace boots. The axle is warrantied for life as well!