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Sat Aug 26, 2023 5:29 pm

I replaced by swing axle boots this past winter and then had a leak. i had no idea why. I kept topping off the oil. finally had the sense to check the boot clamps. Inners were pretty loose. (outers too but no leaks there) WHY? just from vibration? Are there better clamps to use?

I know it's not leaking from the "slit" where the nuts clamp it together. Appears it was just leaking down from around one or both boots from the clamps being loose.

Sat Aug 26, 2023 5:57 pm

Seeing as we dont know what clamps you is using, it is not possible to suggest better clamps than what you have.

You dont want to over tighten them.

Also it is helpful to use a sealer I have found. I use the Permatex Aviation gasket liquid, not much needed, but it does help stop the boot from slipping off, which may lead to loosening.

The clamps should be tightened when the axles are under load, not when they dangle down. I raise up car to gain acess, but set tires on blocks and weight the axles by jumping on the bumper before tightening clamps . Be sure they are weighed fully, as they can still be dropping when set gentle down, if so, jump on the rear bumper to get them to assume full weighted angle same as when car is driving on smooth straight road. doing this needed for success

Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:02 pm

It's the clamps that come with these:

https://www.jbugs.com/product/9983.html?utm_conten...jIQAvD_BwE

It's on a baja, so i had room to change the boots with the wheels on the ground.

I know about not over tightening worm gear clamps. I guess I might just have to snug then up now and then if i find them leaking. At least it's easy on a baja, a 1/4" driver with a short extension and an 8mm deep socket can reach the clamp from behind/below due to the way I put the clamps. No risk of a slipping flat head screwdriver stabbing a hole in the boot.

Sun Aug 27, 2023 5:47 am

Those are the best clamps for the purpose. Use a glue-type sealer, I've used plain black silicone with good results but I'll bet there is something better out there. Clean the flange with solvent to get all the oil and dirt off. You want the rubber glued to the flange as much as possible. Don't tighten the clamp so much it deforms the rubber.
You are lucky, some kits come with Oetiker type clamps. I throw them out and get screw clamps that cost more than the price of the whole boot kit.

Mon Aug 28, 2023 3:23 pm

Here are some NOS clamp sets: https://www.vwnos.com/111-598-041-4
Those are screw together so you have to be able to turn the screw tight with a flat screw driver. If you can't do that you need the ones you can put a socket on. You have to screw them tightly so that it holds on but not so tight that you over do it. It may take some trial and error but if you put them on too loose they leak. If you overtighten everything it deforms the rubber. You don't need any sealant. Clean the surface nicely before putting the clamp over the rubber. The rubber against the metal is a good seal.

Mon Aug 28, 2023 3:55 pm

I used a little silicone at the "gaps" and let it squeeze out as I tighten the clamp; don't use so much you risk a blob dislodged and gumming up the works.

Clean and dry on the axle and boot sealing surfaces.

Seam at 9/10 or 2/3 o'clock, not 12.

Tighten the face screws, then the big clamp, then shove the small boot end inward (towards the tranny) about 1/4" or so, then tighten the small clamp. This compression gives it a little less stress at full suspension movement.

Let it cure before driving off.

I've never leaked a drop with this method.

Fri Sep 08, 2023 1:43 pm

KTPhil wrote:
I've never leaked a drop with this method.
Are we still talking about CV boots? lol