This is a how to guide for replacing an axle boot on a Subaru Baja. The procedure should be very similar for Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Forester, and Outback.
If you smell a burning smell in a Subaru it’s likely this as they tend to go out after 100k miles. Most mechanics will replace the entire axle as it’s faster and easier but it usually costs more.
This is a very cheap way to fix the issue. However it is time consuming and messy. Watch to learn or see if you want to do it.
I’ve also replaced the boot by taking the axle out of the car. In all honesty other than having to work in tighter quarters it was easier doing it without removing the axle as I’ve seen the axle seize to the hub and that’s a bigger pain to deal with than tight work areas.
The boot kit I recommend is here:
https://amzn.to/2IoRhFM (affiliate link)
And I have further discussion on the Subaru Outback Forum located here:
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/99-do-yourself-illustrated-guides/23670-subaru-outback-cv-boot-repair.html
Show your support and gain access to additional content: https://www.patreon.com/Bruceyyyyy
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Is it still hanging in there?
What about the outer boot?
I dig the XV wheels! But I might have ya beat lol. I put mine on my Legacy Sedan in 2015. Great video btw, I'll be tackling this on the wife's 05 Outback.
Remove the axle nut, pop the ball joint out, pull the strut forward and pull the axle out. Then remove the axle from the transmission. Earlier ones have a pin that needs to be driven out, later ones have the more conventional snap ring on the end of the axle. Pull the axle out and put it up on the bench where you can see what you're doing. Piece of cake.
having a problem with the end of the cv joint not coming off the axle after taking the snap ring off, it will not budge been trying to hammer away at it for the past 2 hours and nothing, any suggestions? trying not to give up and just buy a new cv joint lol
Crazy you have to do all of these to replace a rubber piece. Do they make a split one? Just hot glue it together or something
any long term update on this? I noticed the axle boot I got didn't fit the axle because where it connects is grooved. Though it is tight and snug, the grooves create small gaps.
Now I have a 2003 Outback that has never seen a dirt road (California car)so is it still safe to drive with a torn cv boot or should I get it repaired urgently. My buddy told me you’ll be fine but I’m not sure.
Great video. Just curious, why not go with an OEM, it will most likely last longer? Also, this would be a great time to hit struts too, right? Thanks!
Instead of removing the camber bolts(19mm) try removing the 3 bolts that hold the top of the strut on. This way you do not affect the camber or toe and do not need to get an alignment after.
I just did this on my 1999 outback. The method is excellent, and relatively easy. I did clean out as much old grease as possible. Also a trick during the assembly is put a blob of grease on those rings so the stay in place during the insertion.
Great video, will be doing this soon.. From the video, the big clamp didn't seem to be tight enough.. Not sure why some ppl like to replace the whole axle when it's just a boot that needs replacement, unless the bearing are damaged of course
Uhhh…. wth skipped the most important part which was removing the axle lol