Hi, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how difficult and how long it would take to replace the outer cv gaiter??
I was doing some pre mot checks and discovered one had a big split in it and grease everywhere. I have a heynes manual so was hoping to do the job myself. Thanks in advance

Hi Parky,

It's not too bad a job as long as you can get the hub nut off and then the lower ball joint comes out ok. If I can do it, anybody should be able to as long as you've got a good 36mm socket and length of scaffolding. See attached thread, there's some good tips from Ray_S in there.

If your lucky you won't even have to take the whole drive shaft out. It's a dirty job and as Metro Martyn says you'll spend as much time cleaning the CV joint and yourelf as you will doing the job.

If your using the non-stretch boots you'll need to whack the outer CV joint off using a big fixing hammer and block of wood to protect it, but it is possible. Just be careful you don't whack so hard the inner joint pops out of the box otherwise you may lose some of your gearbox oil and ruin your drive (I did that!).

Hope this helps

Andy

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=418042&highlight=boot

Search posts etc as all covered .. allow couple hours if all goes well. I did use stretch boots and are fine, not as tough as good boots, saves the 'unknown' in case CV joint won't budge. (ie job starts 'snowballing'). Joint does need cleaning 100% ! , as my CV outer OS failed after a few thou after I did both boots. (I noticed they were both split at same time) My NS outer CV still original at 152k (with stretch boot). I repacked mine rather than cleaned completely and can only assume dust/grit had contaminated one side. Can pull whole shaft (gearbox is easier enough to fill, as long as you make sure you can shift the drain and fill plugs !), again shaft may come out within seconds or becomes a challenge..
Depends on condition of inners and age etc (I have repacked my inners without removing shafts, always messy !)

Sound advice guys. :)

Also make sure you get the securing bands on nice and tight with the proper tool if possible and try to avoid plastic cable ties otherwise you'll end up redoing the job if you are unlucky.

See http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=430060 for more info and advice.