While fixing something else on 86 GL-10 EA82T 4x4 SW, I looked down and saw a big tear/gash in my DOJ (double offset joint) boot. Are there repair kits for these or is it a big disassembly job to fix them? I was wondering where all that grease on my Turbo downpipe was coming from. :-\

Yes - you can get new boots. But you will have to dissasemble the axle to install them. If you are SURE there is no contamination of the grease/wear to the joint or you wish to run the axle till it actually fails then rebooting can be cost effective if you do it yourself. The boot kits I buy run $12 per boot and come with grease. You do need the special clamp pliers to install the clamps and they need to be TIGHT of they can slip off.

 

All-in-all, unless I'm really sure the axle is good and I'm really cheaping out on the job then I'll just install a new axle. They are $69 for the EMPI axles where I buy them and it's $24 for both boots plus a LOT more labor. You can do the math on that one. I've rebooted maybe half a dozen - I've replaced probably hundreds.

 

GD

If it is an original Subaru axle, and there is no bad contamination or other signs of damage, I'd be inclide to reboot it.

 

The aftermarket axles are sheeit. I've been noticing that alot of them have odd size shafts and joints too, so you won't be able to use them to mix and match cups/shafts with the original Subaru stuff.

 

But reboot is more work. If you azre gonna do it, carefully open the lock tabs on the clamps, and you'll be able to reuse them. You will need a roll of paper rags, and a set of snap ring pliers.

 

Take the boot of the inner DOJ, then reach into the cup and pry the ring out of the inside lip of the cup. Then the axle with the inner race, balls, and cage will slide out.

 

Use the snap ring plier to remove the inner race from the end of the shaft, then the boot can be slid off and replaced.

Okay, I am refurbishing my OE axle and I have everything cleaned up from the inner joint. However, I don't see a retainer ring holding the bearings in the outer joint. reminds me of a puzzle I had as a kid.

Yep, a whole roll of blue shop paper towels, mineral spirits and an old tooth brush.

There isn't one. Instead the outer joint is retained by the shape of the CV joint. The inner race, cage, and bearings must be turned 90 degrees for them to come out of the outer race. This obviously can only happen when the shaft is removed from the inner race. It is held in place by an internal snap-ring such that the axle can only be removed by use of a press and appropriate adaptors.

 

GD

They are $69 for the EMPI axles where I buy them GD

 

Rebooting sounds like a real pain, where do you buy yours? Do you know the spline count I would need/ I'm guessing it would be a good time to replace ball joints too since its disassembled.

Edited November 23, 200916 yr by quartus

Local place called Discount Import Parts. They are big into VW - lots of air-cooled parts but they deal in all import brands.

 

You need 25 spine axles unless you have a 3 speed automatic turbo. All the other turbo's used 25 spline.

 

Ball joints are one of those things that I only replace if they are worn. Just pry down on the control arm and see if there is any play.

 

GD