TheSamba.com :: View topic - VW Tiguan CV Boot option ......... 2wd non-lifted

Wed Oct 21, 2020 11:06 am

NOTE:
If you are running a Syncro or a raised unit, fast forward to page #5 and investigate Sodo's discovery of possible issues with the axle rubbing on the boot pleats.

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Hi all,

I posted awhile back about my brand new Rockford CV Boots failing after a very short time. That thread https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=740714&highlight=rockford, along with another https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=733214&highlight=rockford, revealed that this seems to be a systemic problem. Rockfords have been touted as the best out there, but they seem to be failing at an alarming rate. Clamped, unclamped, doesn't seem to make a difference.

It was posited in one thread that a potential problem could be that 3rd party manufacturers dont have access to, or are not willing to pay for quality compounds for their boots, The only ones that can and do are the Original Manufacturers, like VW. Problem is, they don't make Vanagon CV Boots anymore.

Samba user vwwestman noted that there is a brand new VW CV Boot available, listed for a Tiguan, that has the same diameter as Vanagon CVs. These are part number 1KO-498-201 and come as a kit. I ordered a set from my local dealership, and they were available within three days. They are not cheap at about $40 CDN each, but if they last like they should, it will be worth it.

I have them installed now, but have not had a chance to take them out for a spin, as I am finishing up my Subaru install, but they will be on the road very soon. My van is an 88 Wolfsberg Tintop 2WD with a moderate lift (about 1.5") Below are some pictures of the install.

Comparing the Tiguan boot (left) to the Rockford. Looks visibly smaller, but with more pleats.

Mounted on the axel and in the van (note that the van is on the lift, so articulation is greater than normal).

From VWPparts

The kit comes with some things we didn't use, like a felt gasket, but we did use the supplied clamps. We also used Black Moly CV grease, supplied by Napa.

They are much harder and more plastic-y than the more rubber feeling Rockfords. They do resemble more modern boots, however. They look and feel exactly like the ones on my Honda Element, and they are 12 years old and doing fine.

Hopefully these pan out as a reasonable choice for us long suffering Vanagon owners. I also hope the vendors pick up on this and offer a better solution.

Cheers!

Wed Oct 21, 2020 11:21 am

How many miles/years on these? Looks promising if they stand the test of time.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 11:22 am

MarkWard wrote: How many miles/years on these? Looks promising if they stand the test of time.

As noted, they were just installed, and have 0 miles so far. It's all hope and promise at this point.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 11:29 am

I have CV maintenance on my winter to do list. Since my boots are fine I had contemplated reusing them due to the failure rate of what’s available. This looks like a good option. Thanks!

Wed Oct 21, 2020 11:50 am

Too late now, but it might have been better to use VW's grease. One of other discussions in another thread about CV boot life was potential incompatibilities between the CV "rubber" and the grease.

Thanks for spending the $90 and being the guinea pig. I'm subscribing to see how they turn out.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 12:16 pm

I`ve seen these popping up on forums.

I`m gonna investigate them thoroughly. I ordered a VW one, a GKN one ( same but with wider base bellows) and a cheap rubber copy of the VW design by Febest.

For people wondering about my CV boot project, I got a good sample out of rubber to check out the mold but the same version is proven very hard to mold out of PU :cry: I`m kinda rethinking it all, again...

Wed Oct 21, 2020 12:17 pm

Thanks for posting, this looks like its likely a very good way to go. I was tired of dealing with poorly made boots thirty years ago and haven't gotten any happier with time. Please give updates as the miles add up.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 12:29 pm

If I remember, I’ll check the number at IMC and World Pac. See what comes up.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 12:35 pm

https://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-1K0-498-Joint-Boot/dp/B00KWGFQ9W

$66.00 EACH. ouch.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 1:13 pm

dabaron wrote: https://www.amazon.com/Volkswagen-1K0-498-Joint-Boot/dp/B00KWGFQ9W

$66.00 EACH. ouch.

Oddly enough, it's cheaper right from the dealer.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 1:16 pm

dabaron wrote:
$66.00 EACH. ouch.
Amazon isn't usually the best place for car parts.
Looks like ECS has them for $38 each for example.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 2:01 pm

The ECS boot doesn’t appear to have the cv flange.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 2:31 pm

MarkWard wrote: The ECS boot doesn’t appear to have the cv flange.
You're right - doesn't include the gasket either.
Looks like you can get the complete kit OEM VW here for $34 each.

edit - GKN Lobro complete kit for $26 from GAP

Wed Oct 21, 2020 3:31 pm

erste wrote: MarkWard wrote: The ECS boot doesn’t appear to have the cv flange.
You're right - doesn't include the gasket either.
Looks like you can get the complete kit OEM VW here for $34 each.

edit - GKN Lobro complete kit for $26 from GAP

$68 per axle is better... someone put some serious miles on these asap and report back ;)

Wed Oct 21, 2020 4:01 pm

I'm glad there is another guinea pig out there!

I hope my recommendation works out for others.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 4:46 pm

I am on my second set of boots. 33 years and 370k miles, Carat height. What have I done wrong? SERIOUSLY.

Wed Oct 21, 2020 6:00 pm

vwwestyman wrote: I'm glad there is another guinea pig out there!

I hope my recommendation works out for others.

I helped Chris install the ones above. I bought a set for the inner fronts on my Syncro (rear has 930s). 2" lift, I'll report back :)

Robyn

Wed Oct 21, 2020 6:03 pm

Oh, and one other thing, due to the smaller diameter of the boot, these are FAR easier to install in the trailing arm. The bolts are clearly visible and accessible with the pleats not being in the way.

It's a small thing, but it's real.

Robyn

Wed Oct 21, 2020 6:06 pm

markd89 wrote: Too late now, but it might have been better to use VW's grease. One of other discussions in another thread about CV boot life was potential incompatibilities between the CV "rubber" and the grease.

Thanks for spending the $90 and being the guinea pig. I'm subscribing to see how they turn out.

You know, I'm not too worried about these with generic moly grease. They're not rubber like the Rockfords. I have no idea of the exact chemistry, but they *seem* to be made of the same material as my Syncro front outers, which are 10+ years old now with Redline CV2 in them.

If I'm wrong, I'll cop to it, but these are not at all the same as the Rockfords.

Robyn

Wed Oct 21, 2020 6:16 pm

dgbeatty wrote: I am on my second set of boots. 33 years and 370k miles, Carat height. What have I done wrong? SERIOUSLY.

I don't know, but don't stop! :lol: