308 cv boot clamps | FerrariChat

308 cv boot clamps

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Doc, Aug 28, 2004.

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  1. Doc

    Doc Formula Junior

    Sep 13, 2001
    886
    Latham, New York
    Full Name:
    Bill Van Dyne
    I just installed new boots on my car and I couldn't get 2 of those ridiculous fold-over clamps to tighten properly. Would there be any problem just using nylon ties or plain-old hose clamps?
     
  2. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
    2,559
    Chicago
    Full Name:
    Philip
    I don't think you'd want the asymetrical weight of the hose clamp contributing to centrifugal force. Problem with zip tie is heat tolerance over time. You could try but I think you'll be better off with an original part.
     
  3. scott1967

    scott1967 Karting

    Jul 12, 2004
    148
    Tampa, FL
    Full Name:
    Scott
    Doc - other than the clamp, how did the rest of the install go?
     
  4. Doc

    Doc Formula Junior

    Sep 13, 2001
    886
    Latham, New York
    Full Name:
    Bill Van Dyne
    Well, aside from 2 stripped bolts on the outboard side, all went well. I used about 25" worth or extensions , breaker bar and assorted pipe extentions to loosen the bolts. Once the bolts were out, it was relatively easy, but messy. The boots are installed and the joint is all back together, cleaned up, and ready to go.I'm awaiting a couple of new bolts/nuts for the reinstallation. Maybe I'll try those original clamps again--man, they are awkward and wierd.
     
  5. don_xvi

    don_xvi F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,934
    Outside Detroit
    Full Name:
    Don the 16th
    I had the same problem.
    I used some universal hose clamps from Motormite you can get at your local parts store. I wasn't crazy looking at them, but they've worked out OK!
    I tried to get clamps at a number of shops that were the crimp type, but struck out. One thing I didn't think to try was seeing if I could rent the special tools for CV clamps at my parts stores! There was also a recent thread discussing how to use a nail or something to make the fold-over type work. :|
     
  6. ria

    ria Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2003
    732
    ohio
    Full Name:
    phill
    i just did my cv boots NO hose clamps. i went to napa auto parts got the proper clamps and the tool to put them on this is the proper way to do this.
     
  7. Doc

    Doc Formula Junior

    Sep 13, 2001
    886
    Latham, New York
    Full Name:
    Bill Van Dyne
    Ria--just what does that special tool do and look like? After frigging around with 2 more universal boot clamps, I got them somewhat tight. However, with a little force I can still turn the boot by hand. Just how tight do they need to be?

    Also--what would be the effect of using hose clamps vs boot clamps as they weigh only slightly more? Why shouldn't they be used with centrifugal force, given that they're so light? I could see if they were heavy. Can someone explain? Has anyone ever seen an actual problem in doing this? Just curious
    (and obviously not an engineer)!
     
  8. miked

    miked Formula Junior

    Feb 7, 2001
    912
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    doc, I have not had very good luck with the Motormite, Band-it or other brand "strap and clamp" types. I could not get the band tension tight enough even with the proper strap "wind-up" tool. The fastening "buckle" is too long (ie. it doesn't bend around the radius) for our small diameter boots, they work fine for the large diameter FWD outer CV boots that they were designed for. IMHO, the OE type Oetiker clamps are far superior and although designed as "one use only", they can be reused. You have to bend the crimp area back to it's original "U" shape which can be difficult as they are made of pretty stout metal. Once back to their original shape, put the clamp around the boot and snap it into the tightest adjustment hole that you can using only your fingers. Now go to your workbench and find the tile nippers that you haven't used since the last bathroom remodel and use them to crimp the "U" which will tighten the clamp.

    Most large auto parts stores will have the official "Oetiker clamp pliers" for about $25, for example KD 3374. It's basicaly the same as a tile nipper, just narrower. Oetiker clamps are used extensively on food service tubing, lawn sprinkler systems, garden pressure sprayers etc. but those applications don't use the "stepless" type clamp used on CV boots.

    http://www.oetiker.com/pdf/clamps_e.pdf
     
  9. ria

    ria Formula Junior

    Nov 2, 2003
    732
    ohio
    Full Name:
    phill
    doc at speeds 90 or over will pic up some vib. this car did NOT come with hose clamps or any other car that i know stay with the OEM the tool napa no # 3191 cv joint clamp tightening wrench thay will give you the proper clamps. tight just so the boot will NOT come of . do NOT over tight.
     

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