I know this has beat to death..... But I got some questions.

Is a Polaris replacement boot better? - I know you get what you pay, but ebay had prices above OEM, and it was not clear what you get. There are kits available for $5-10 less from reputable sources. I already purchased the Polaris kit, but wonder if there is better.

It’s a 2004.5 700SP, Left Front boot, do I need (should I) pull the drive shaft out of the gear case? I popped the CV joint apart, but haven't tried the rest.

The CV boot kit came with one pack of grease, and the manual said I need 60g.Where & what kind?

Recommendations for clamp pliers?

Thanks in advance for you patience and advise.

 

You do not need to pull the axle out of the front differential/gearcase or whatever you want to call it. You will need to pull the out-board side out of the front wheel/strut housing. You may have to remove the tie-rod bolt and you will need to remove the brake rotor and caliper. I've only had to do mine once and it took me about an hour. I'm sure others may be able to offer short-cuts. I simply put in all of the grease that came with the Polaris kit and no more....it's been fine.

 

Thanks backinthesaddle.......... did remove all the grease from the CV joint?
Also, how did you handle the boot clamps?

 

I try to remove as much grease as I can, due to the fact that it is better to put new grease in. On the outer boot when you pull it off so that you can take the C-clip out you will have to remove some of the grease so that you can see it. I just use a marine grade synthetic grease to put back in there. As far as the clamps, they are really easy. If you get a pair of needle nose pliers you can just pull the clamp together and they lock in pretty easily. Just make sure that you have the clamp all the way on the boot, in the clamp groove.

Good luck

 

I used large needle nose pliers to do the boot clamps too.........but it's a pain. My buddy got some clamp pliers specifically for this purpose and they work great. Think of an eagles beak only with a symetrical top and bottom. The pointed sharp ends grab the slots on the clamps perectly. A squeeze and your done. I recommend them.

If the grease got contaminated then you obviously have to clean it all up really well and inspect the CV joint itself for damage. If you caught the boot tear quickly and no contamination got in then it's not an issue.

 

im guessing on this but i think the ebay boots are of a plactic material instead of rubber. not as good in my own experince. i think you do get what you pay for in this case but im sure others would think differnt.

 

Thanks......... My dealer said 1 pack is fine even through I completely removed all the grease. Never got the chance to ask what other kinds of grease will work in lieu of the Polaris stuff. I bought a pair of clamp pliers from NAPA and plan on putting it back together today.

 

Done deal. NAPA tool was the wrong one, so I bought a pair of 90 degree needle nose pliers. New boot installed and working. Valvoline CV grease is a suitable substitute. Thanks for your help ya'll