Constant Velocity Joint Boot: Service and Repair

Indentations or "dimples" in the inboard and/or outboard front wheel driveshaft joint boots may occur due to improper handling during storage or service. If, during inspection, a front wheel driveshaft joint boot is observed to be "dimpled," perform the following.





1. Inspect the front wheel driveshaft joint boot(s) for any sign of grease leakage in the dimple which would indicate a cut. Replace the front wheel driveshaft joint boot if a cut exists or if there is evidence of other damage.





2. If the front wheel driveshaft joint boot is in good condition, the dimple can be removed as follows:
a. Grasp the dimpled convolution on either side of the dimple using the forefinger and thumb of each hand.





b. While grasping front wheel driveshaft joint boot, pull the convolution by moving hands in opposite directions. The dimple should "pop out." If the dimple does not invert or if it dimples again, one front wheel driveshaft joint boot clamp should be removed and the internal and external air pressure equalized.

Extreme care should be taken not to allow front wheel driveshaft joint boots to come in forceful contact with foreign objects that may cause the external boot convolutions to become indented.