An inner CV boot, the one closest to the differential, is torn on my 2000 Kodiak. Anyone out there who's done this work have any helpful hints, cautions, or advice for me? I damaged a CV boot on my 300 Honda FourTrax, but did not replace it myself because the tool required to push the ball joint out of the steering knuckle cost $125. For the same money the Honda shop replaced the boot.
454

 

I'm not sure if the set up on the Kodiak is the same as the Grizzly(600), but its really easy. All I did was disconnect the lower a-arm at the ball joint. Cut the torn boot out of the way and remove the cir-clip in the receiver end of the CV. You can now separate the CV, then remove the snap ring that holds the splined end of the CV to the axle and remove it. Now all you have to do is slide your new boot on the axle, and reassamble everything the same way you took it apart.

When I tore a CV boot I went to yamaha to get one and they wanted almost $50! Finding that on the "here's a jar of vasoline, now bend over" side, I went to a locale driveline outfit and found the same size CV boot for $19. Plus it was a much sturdier made boot.

Rick

 

GrizRick,
Thanks for the tips. Just a couple more questions. Did you reuse the Yamaha boot clamps or install aftermarket, and did you need special pliers to install them? When you talk about a "driveline outfit" do you mean a place that sells power tansmission equipment, like v-belts, gears, sprockets, etc?
454

 

454casull,
I didn't reuse the the boot clamps, the new CV boot comes with new clamps and a tube of grease. There is a special tool they make to cinch the new clamps down. I didn't have one at the time so I went ahead and bought one, it was only $9. The "driveline" outfit I went to was an automotive drivelive line repair shop. They repair automotive CV's, boots, axles, differentials, U-joints, etc. They told me that ATV's had become so popular that they started to carry the CV boots that would fit them. I'm glad they do, because it saved me a lot of money and I got a better product! They also can repair broken ATV CV's. When I broke a front CV I went to Yamaha to price a new one. From Yamaha it was $250, that came with a whole new CV and an axle half shaft(which I didn't need). This driveline place was able to get just the "cage" that fits between the the inner an outer CV. That was all that I broke. So for $100 They could replace the cage and service the entire front axle. So it pays to look around!

Rick

 

GrizRick,
Great information!
Thanx,
454