I have the axle out on my 97 4Runner and am putting the boots and clamps back on. The outer boot has clamps that look like they need a special tool to crimp the band tight. This is a kit from the dealership. The inner clamps look like you simply bend the end of the band down and bend the tabs over. These are the same type bands as the ones that were on the old boots. Can anyone help me with ideas on a method to tighten the outer ones. Thanks for your help.

 

niddle nose plyers, pull the wire as tight as you can and then hit the nob in the hole the fold the tabs over.

Does anyone know where to get replacement clamps?????

 

The dealership told me the only way to clamp it was with the "special" tool. They told me i could rent it at napa, or other places like that. but i just had the dealership do it so it was on waranty.

 

niddle nose and a screwdriver.

 

I've got the correct tool for the job. You're not anywhere Denver, are you?

 

Thanks for your replies. I ended up getting a bull nose type wire cutter that looks like the special tool. It worked fine.

 

Any auto parts store has replacement universal clamps for about $1 each. They work perfectly with no special tool.

 

HAH..I got those "universal" clamps and a little tool thing just yesterday. For the life of me, I couldn't get the clamp even remotely tight...it would just snap. Today, I picked up a hose clamp, and it works like a charm.

 

Never needed any tool other than needle nose pliars. Don't try to pull them so tight - the boots 'snap' into grooves, all the clamps do is keep them from popping out. They only have to be snug. I used plastic wire ties on a car I once had (%$#& Audi) and they were fine for more than 80,000 miles...

Unless the hose clamp fits into the groove for the bands, it will likely 'walk' off of there pretty quickly.