Hi all.. (this is not a Fiero problem but a Fiero could have the same issue)
Here's the problem: I just had the cv axles replaced on the wife's 2001 VW Cabrio.
Afterwards, I noticed on the driver's side inner boot that some grease was coming out from the end of the boot. At this point I noticed that the crimped on stainless steel clamp was not very tight. It was allowing the boot to pull back (as the axles turned) allowing the grease to come out. So, the dilemma is to find a way to tighten it or replace it. The bad news is that on the driver's side inner boot area there is very limited room. (not more than an inch or so) I can go and get a big stainless steel clamp but it would be slightly too wide and the screw/head part might interfere as the cv axle turns. (maybe...maybe not) Anyone know of any clamps that would work that have a low profile head assembly? What about a tie wrap? There is some exhaust heat in that area though.
By the way, I tried to crush/squeeze the crimped area of the clamp to get it more snug but it's kinda tough to get some small Channel Locks on there. Any tips for me? (other than taking the axle back out)
Thanks, Kit

[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 12-19-2012).]

I believe the crimp on those is a little more than it being crushed. I think the tool pinches it tight and at the same time falttens out the "head" in both direction. If you "had the CV replaced" then why not go back to where they did it and tell to fix it? If you paid somebody to do it then that would be my first thing to try. After that, I think a heavy duty Zip Tie would work. Check out Home Depot electrical section, they have quite the selection of Zip Ties there. Should be able to find just the right size one and if the boot doesn't melt from the exhaust heat, then neither should the tie.

Edit to add; Or you could do this;
http://shop.advanceautopart...medium=google&utm_ca mpaign=enhancedrm&utm_content=9020373
http://shop.advanceautopart...uct_x_20830102-P_x_x

[This message has been edited by DLCLK87GT (edited 12-19-2012).]

Good point on the heat issue.
Will try Home Depot later.
Did not mention earlier that I bought the axles new from Rockauto (Cardone Select)
Lesson learned...to check clamp tightness on boots before they are installed!!
Thanks again for the input.
Kit

actually i would check out the HELP section of your local parts store first and see if they have the metal ones. Not saying a Zip Tie wouldn't do the job but if you can put the correct clamp back on for a couple bucks more than might as well. At least i would. Better a couple bucks now instead of a trashed CV in a few months.

Or maybe talk to a shop to see if they have the tools to do this... or check out your local auto parts store to see if they rent the tool.

What i have done when this happens is get 2 hose clamps that when they are together they are a little larger that the diameter of the boot that you are clamping. Put the clamps together over the boot an then tighten the both so the screw of each clamp is opposite of each other, buy doing that the joint should stay balanced.

Harbor Freight used to have stainless zip ties (or do a search online). They work great. Just make sure you get them tight enough and make sure the boot / zip tie is over the groove in the axle before you tighten it. If it's out of the groove, the boot will ride back and forth and leak.

Many of the stock metal CV joint "ties" actually have small holes, a "tooth" and a crimp "head". I have a CV joint boot installer tool and it makes the strip tight, the tooth slips into one of the small holes and then it crimps the head as a "secondary" latch.

The stainless ties work well though.

[This message has been edited by 3084me (edited 12-19-2012).]

quote Originally posted by 3084me: Harbor Freight used to have stainless zip ties (or do a search online). They work great. Just make sure you get them tight enough and make sure the boot / zip tie is over the groove in the axle before you tighten it. If it's out of the groove, the boot will ride back and forth and leak. Many of the stock metal CV joint "ties" actually have small holes, a "tooth" and a crimp "head". I have a CV joint boot installer tool and it makes the strip tight, the tooth slips into one of the small holes and then it crimps the head as a "secondary" latch. The stainless ties work well though.

Ya, HF does have the long SS ties; I just bought some to use on my exhaust heat wrap. However, I would not use them on a CV boot; they don't pull tight enough and they slip a lil over time. Not too big a deal when your dealing with exhaust wrap, but not something I would want to have to deal with on a CV boot... I would almost rather use the heavy-duty plastic wire-ties over the metal HF ones; the plastic ones have a more secure hold...

Just about all auto parts stores sell the actual/proper CV boot clamps. The "HELP" section may have some, but they do stock them lose behind the counter in more sizes. Also, size does matter, as each clamp only has a small range they will fit...

The auto parts store may also have the tool to rent, usually free rental...

I would just try and use the proper clamp and not have to ever worry about it again...

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 12-19-2012).]

I have been using Aviation nylon zipties for a year now. They have a metal retainer tab instead of the nylon one. Plus they stand up to heat well. If they fail I plan on using .040 stainless steel safety wire.

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Project Genisis Lo Budget 3800SC swap

88 Coupe under construction

quote Originally posted by ALJR: Ya, HF does have the long SS ties; I just bought some to use on my exhaust heat wrap. However, I would not use them on a CV boot; they don't pull tight enough and they slip a lil over time.

HF may have changed them then. The ones I used were fairly heavy. (PS. I pulled them tight with the same tool made for pulling the nylon zip ties tight. - You'll never pull a stainless / metal zip tie tight enough for a CV joint by hand.(or exhaust wrap for that matter).

I use the tool for my exhaust wrap ties as well. Works like a charm. The "professional tool" (not the cheap plastic tool) made for the plastic ties works good (but obviously won't trim the excess off like it will on a plastic tie).

[This message has been edited by 3084me (edited 12-22-2012).]