Axle Boot Install Help

[Mike_B]

I'm in the process of trying to install the clear/white rubber boots on the older style asymmetric u-joint axles. I'll be damned but it's impossible to get these boots on. They are not nearly as flexible as the black rubber boots. I've struggled with one for well over an hour and I'm defeated.

Any tips or suggestions on getting these installed?

[HBChris]

See my article in the FAQ Under Construction area. You have to heat the boot in hot water, use some oil and a spoon to slip it over with the axle in a vise. First ones takes some time, the second one will be on in one minute or less. The alternative is to press the pin half way through with a press, never hit it with a hammer or you will be screwed.

[Mike_B]

I'll give it a shot tomorrow.

Did you fill the boots with 90wt gear oil (as stated in the repair manual) or CV grease?

[TEAEYE]

Mike please do not be insulted, but did you take off the mushroom caps and needle bearings on both sides of the pin?

That will make it much easier, it is very hard to do without taking them off.

If, you still have the mushroom caps on, take them off very carefully so that you do not loose any of the needles!

The suggestion by Chris of using a spoon is very good also and will help!

The funny thing is, on page R19, of the factory manual, it goes into great detail on how to make an custom tool which includes fashioning/welding and leather,,,,,,,,,LMAO,,,,,,,,that is no better than what Chris told you!

I had always cleaned the needles and packed them with axle grease and also

put a little grease on the outside of the mushroom caps before filling them with the oil.

Hope it helps, Jon

[Mike_B]

Jon,

No offense taken. Yes, I did remove the mushroom caps and needle bearings prior to my attempt. The boot was too stiff and I could get it to about 1/4" from slipping on but that was it. Frustration set in, I put it down, walked away and asked for help.

The tool I was using actually works pretty well. It's an old shoe horn that about 18" long.

I planned on cleaning/greasing the needle bearings during re-assembly.

Is the consensus gear oil or grease in the boots?

[Luis]

Mike,

FWIW, my car came from the German restorer with what I can see is oil in them, not grease.

[Luis]

HBChris:

Where exactly is your article?? I can't find it anywhere I'm looking... Thanks!

[Mike_B]

Here is Chris' FAQ - http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,317036/

[TEAEYE]

Mike, it's not you, they are a pita to get on right, not sure how many you have done and did not want you to think, that you were screwing up! LOL

No they are very very tough to get on, and the material will make you think that you are about to TEAR your new boots!

LMAO with the shoehorn! Do you have the leather handle per BMW's instructions? LOL!

Just grease the needles and outer mushroom, and then after you install them back on car, revolve the slide joint until the fill hole is at 90 degrees, then fill up to and touching the fill hole with 90wt.

SLIDE JOINTS RULE!

[Mike_B]

Soaking the boots in the boiling water for about 5-10 minutes did the trick. Slipped on with the shoehorn in about 90 seconds. Thanks for the tip!!