OEM 2002 Dodge Dakota CV Boot

2002 Dodge Dakota CV Boot Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a CV Boot and CV Joint for Outer on 2002 Dodge Dakota?

  A: To work on and repair the outer constant velocity joint and boot, clamp the shaft in a vise and hold the C/V joint so it doesn't bend. While taking care not to dent the C/V housing or half shaft, remove the clamps using either a cut-off wheel or grinder. Push the boot down the shaft, then remove the lubricant to show the C/V joint snap ring. Pull the snap ring apart and move the joint away from the shaft and then get rid of the old boot. Add spots of paint to the inner race/hub, the bearing cage and the housing to create mark alignment marks. Clamp the C/V joint upright in a soft jawed vise and push down slightly on one side of the bearing cage to reach the ball on the opposite side. Should the joint be difficult to loosen, tap it gently with a hammer and use a brass drift to avoid touching the bearing cage. Take out every ball from the bearing cage, then pull the cage with the inner race out of the housing assembly. Rotate the cage's inner race 90° in one direction and pop it out. If the ON joint is worn, change both the ON joint and the doctor's boot during installation. Dip the C/V joint parts in a little grease, line up their components and slide the inner race into the cage, turning it so it fits right. After inserting the cage, tilt it so it is 90° from the normal position. Squeeze a little of the included lubricant into each ball race, making sure it's spread evenly. After tilting the inner race/hub and cage to place balls, put new clamps onto the boot and slide the boot onto the shaft to place it correctly. Use the rest of the lubricant to grease the C/V joint and boot, slide the joint onto the shaft until it snaps in place and seat the snap ring in the groove. Confirm that the snap ring has fastened, tug on the boot at the joint, attach it straight and fix any remaining air. In the end, put the Clamp Installer C-4975A on the clamp bridge and tighten it until the jaws come together.