blown 87

I refuse to use anything but the ones like that, or the solid ones that have no adjustment.

blown 87

I use the same set.
I wish I had a source for the clamps in all sizes, I would use them instead of Zebra (screw type) clamps.

928mac

Do you mean the side cutters Greg or the proper clamp pliers?

I have the CV boot clamp pliers but sometimes I find that the side cutters crimp it better and tighter.

blown 87

The factory type tool, never had a problem, but you have to keep everything clean at the boot to metal.

To tight is not good, seen more than a few cut the boot because they were not free of grease between the boot and the CV itself, and almost always on the big end.

Ad0911

I used pliers that are commonly used to break off small pieces from bathroom tiles. Very cheap to come by but I happened to have one.

NoVector

Thanks everyone - I used a pair of hog-ring pliers to pinch it; seems to be good and tight now.

I guess you could screw two small clamps together to counter-balance each other, but then it would be a become a PITA and they'd probably get in the way of the 6 axle bolts.

jeff spahn

I didn't get mine tight enough and grease flew out. Gotta re grease the inners this winter and re do the clamps. Perhaps I'll just have the local shop regrease and have them put the clamps on

NoVector

Jeff - I think that's 1/2 the battle. The other is not getting grease into the lip of the boot while trying to get it on the flange. What i learned after the first axle is: just becuase there's two tubes of grease, I didn't have to fill it to the rim before sliding the boot down. On the second axle, I used a leftover turkey injector (from my deep-frying days) filled it full of grease and then inserted it between the shaft and the boot to top it off. I'll know tomorrow if it worked I'll say it again though, what a crappy job...

SteveG

The last factory tensioner boot clamp I rec'd was the threaded screw type.

Ad0911

Funny, there seems to be different ways of doing the same job. As I recall the sequence I used was as follows:
1. put the new boot on the flanges and stick new seal on the flange
2. Secure the boot on the flange with said clamp
3. Slide this assembly over the clean axle
4. Put the clean cvj on the axle and put the ring on the axle
5. Put the grease on / inside the cvj on both sides
6. Slide the boot & flange up to the cvj and screw together
Done!

Anything wrong with this sequence?
6.

NoVector

^^^ Here's probably the best way:

jpitman2

Re the post about balance issues with a screw clip (at least on the small boot) - one of my CV joint boots on the Suby is leaking, and until I can get it to service, I put a screw clip on it, and have not noticed ANYTHING at 65mph. At that small radius, it would take a fair bit of mass to produce much vibration IMHO.
On the large boot diameter, just maybe....
jp 83 Euro S AT 54k