CV boot replacement 101, please

[mailbox]

Useful threads here tell me that the
odor I smell from both mine and my
wife's 2001 Foresters is the result of
a leaky CV joint boot over the exhaust.

Let's see, the outer CV joint is at
the wheel end of the axle...right?
So it would be the inner one that is
over the exhaust pipe -- I haven't
looked yet. In one thread somebody
said the CV boot is a pain to replace.

How much of a pain? I'm a reasonably
competent home-handyman type who's
replaced shock absorbers, etc. But I
don't like jobs that require special
tools or techniques or anything that's
not spelled out fully in Chilton's or
equivalent. If it can be done with the
car on jackstands, I'd be willing to
spend up to, say, three hours on the
job.

 

[Frank]

Are you still under drive train warranty? That would cover it. My '98
was when it happened. I recall dealer saying it would have cost about
$125 otherwise.
Frank

 

[Edward Hayes]

I've done mine but, too long to type details. Go to www.endwrench.com
and see if they have a procedure with pictures. On jack stands yes.
Wheel off, brakes off, tie-rod or suspension joint separated, drift
punch on inner axel and pull boot.

 

[mailbox]

I've done mine but, too long to type details. Go to www.endwrench.com
and see if they have a procedure with pictures. On jack stands yes.
Wheel off, brakes off, tie-rod or suspension joint separated, drift
punch on inner axel and pull boot.

Okay...thanks. Had to look up "drift punch."
Wikipedia says it's not a punch, really, but
used to align holes when you're putting something
back together.

 

[Edward Hayes]

I beg the differ as it is a drift punch (flat end). You will need it
to remove a tight spring pin/roll pin.