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Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:09 pm

1969 axles, repainted axles, rebuilt CV joints, putting it all back together now. Any opinions on whether or not the hose clamps on the small end of the boot where it grips the axle are needed would be much appreciated.

Michael

Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:49 pm

I wouldn't. I would think that big of a piece on one side would give you a vibration at higher speed, or at least put some strain on one side of the CV, but I could be mistaken.

I would just go to your local FLAPS and get some CV clamps. I picked up 4 (35 size) and they worked great. Just use a cheap pair of nipping pliers to crimp the ends. (you can even file the sharp edge so it doesn't cut into the clamp) This is what I did with mine and it looks great.

Wed Mar 18, 2009 4:57 pm

If your axles have a pair of ridges where the small end of the boot sits, then the answer is no, you don't need clamps. Otherwise, the easiest thing to do is use a tie-wrap or zip-tie. In this pic you can see where the small end sits. A small hose clamp would also work, the diameter is so small that vibration wouldn't be an issue.

Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:46 am

If you would use hose clamps, do it on both little and big parts and offset the screw part 180 degrees to minimize the unbalance.

Fred

Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:53 am

Pull the boots down towards the CV joint, rub some RTV or gasket sealer around the shaft and slide the boots back up. There is no 'pressure' to contain so a clamp will be overkill for sealing the boot end, but IMO the boot will split before anything gets past the part of the boot around the shaft.

Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:17 am

The factory used clamps, both originally on the car and also supplied them with the replacements. I don't like to under estimate their knowledge.

Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:08 pm

A hose clamp is not the way to go. They are usually too wide anyway.

Use the right CV boot clamps.

In a pinch, you can use a Zip Tie.

Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:40 pm

69 Jim wrote: The factory used clamps, both originally on the car and also supplied them with the replacements. I don't like to under estimate their knowledge.
Agreed. However, the Bentley manual (p. 3-6 and 3-7) indicates the pinch clamps at the small end are discontinued.

Bentley Service Manual wrote: Note-
As of July 1972, the hose clamps, pinch clamps, and separate cap and boot were discontinued. Instead, the driveshaft was given an additional ridge to secure the small end of the boot. The cap has been combined with the boot for a more effective seal. The new boot and cap combination, shown in Fig. 3-7, can be installed on earlier models. The pinch clamp must be retained unless the new-type driveshafts are installed.
Many (most? all?) replacement boots are the combined type. So if your driveshaft has two ridges as shown in the pic above you don't need anything on the small end. Otherwise you do need a pinch clamp.

Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:47 pm

mnussbau wrote: 69 Jim wrote: The factory used clamps, both originally on the car and also supplied them with the replacements. I don't like to under estimate their knowledge.
Agreed. However, the Bentley manual (p. 3-6 and 3-7) indicates the pinch clamps at the small end are discontinued.

Bentley Service Manual wrote: Note-
As of July 1972, the hose clamps, pinch clamps, and separate cap and boot were discontinued. Instead, the driveshaft was given an additional ridge to secure the small end of the boot. The cap has been combined with the boot for a more effective seal. The new boot and cap combination, shown in Fig. 3-7, can be installed on earlier models. The pinch clamp must be retained unless the new-type driveshafts are installed.
Many (most? all?) replacement boots are the combined type. So if your driveshaft has two ridges as shown in the pic above you don't need anything on the small end. Otherwise you do need a pinch clamp.

Instead of updating my og axle's, I use the pinch clamps.

Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:28 pm

I'd do the same. :wink:

Fri Mar 20, 2009 6:47 am

Great info, thanks. Mine are OG 1969 axles with only a single ridge where the small end of the boot sits. I need pinch clamps, then.

I love this forum, especially when questions get answered thoroughly and intelligently!