Axel Boot strap....

I have a 91 Plymouth Acclaim (3.0) with 137000 miles on it.
I just replaced the driver's side axel with an Advance (auto store)
replacement. All went fine except after I had the wheels aligned I
noticed that the axel was missing the outer boot metal strap, the one
closest to the wheel.

I used a plastic tie hoping that would prevent the boot from leaking
its grease. Now when I make a turn I can hear, I could be wrong, a
loud clunk like noise that sounds like boot is slipping off. I
checked the boot and it seems fine. I think it might slip on and off
during the turns.

My comfort level with this is zero. I can not find pliers or a metal
strap (the strap must be low level or it will interfere when spinning)
anywhere that will fit.

I know I can replace the axel at Advance with no problem but I am not
looking forward to all the (it's a pain with the strut) work and then
have another wheel alignment done.

I do own a boot pliers that will squeeze the "ears" together but like
I said, it can get in the way. Does anyone know a place that sells
the correct size metal straps and pliers?

Thanks
Hank from PA

 

If you hear a clunking noise, either the new axle/cv is shot, or it's
bottoming out 'cause you didn't properly center the engine. Loose boots
don't make noise, they just allow all the grease to leak out - quickly -
trashing the joint.
Rick

 

please check the anti-roll bar links. They usuallymake one loud chuck
turning only on one direction depending on the broken side. In
addtion, if you take the halfshaft out just by removing the balljoint, i
think you donot need to allign the wheel again.
good luck.

I think bad cv joints will make continuous chuck chuck noise expesially
when you are turning and accelerating.

 

The metal strap is specific to CV joint boots. There are a couple of
different designs, but you can buy the straps at your local parts store
along with an inexpensive tool to cinch them up. It really isn't too bad,
though I would take the axle off first.

 

That nylon tie strap will be just fine as long as you cut the end off
and you tightened it up. The "CLUNKING" is NOT from the boot. Check
sway bar links and other front suspension parts. Good Luck

 

I will check that out.
Thanks Hank from PA

 

David - Why would you take the axle off to replace the boot band?
Should be plenty of visibility and access with wheel removed.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

Ok, I suppose you're right. It's certainly worth trying before taking the
axle off (pain that is its).