Planning to work on my son's 96 Legacy again. I found right front outer cvj boot has a split. No one except for Rock Auto carries the (quick-boot but its listed for the Outback - which my son's friends claim is a Legacy Outback - I'm not so sure) ) split boot kit - it came with a collar , a split boot - 2 halves - and a cone shaped split wedge adapter - Dorman 614632 kit. 

 

Problem is the collar (ring shaped) is not split (assume it an extra adapter not intended for a split boot repair) - so I carefully split it - the wedge shaped collars fits around the axle but the ends don't meet  - also whatever mix of sleeve wedge configuration I attempt the split boot does not fit (make contact with collar and or wedge due to the split boot diameter is larger than the collar/wedge adapter diameter). I don't want to remove CVJ - like to use a split boot fix.

 

Do you guys know of any other auto parts vendor that carries split boots for a 96 Legacy or have a thought on how I can make the one I have work - possibly with unrelated parts from a auto parts store, hardware store, that I can adapt to my split boot, etc. 

 

I attached two files - specs and screenshot of boot kit. 

 

 

Thanks, 

 

Milty 

cvjBoot.rtf

how long has the outer boot been split? It may fail (eventually) even if you reboot it , outer joints get a lot more debris inside them than inner joints.

 

I admit I only tried a split boot decades ago - it failed quickly, waste of money.

 

you can drive for a LONG time before it starts clicking in the turns. When it starts clicking going straight, that's maybe the time to think about replacing the axle. You can even wait and combine the axle replacement with a brake job or other work in that area. (get a used OEM axle from a junkyard)

 

save the boot money to spend on an axle.

Get a used axle from a scrap yard. Reboot and re grease it. Then swap. Then reboot aND re grease the one you remove. Spare all ready for next time.

Personally, I would only use a split-boot as a very temporary fix.

Even then, I would probably try wrapping a torn boot with cling-wrap and tape, before trying a split-boot. But only as temporary fix to buy me time.

 

There's a reason why car manufacturers don't use split-boots.

Is the boot direct fit or universal? Universals may require cutting or using the end of the old cv boot as a spacer (seen it before). If that sounds bad.....you're right.

 

Or maybe the axle has been previously swapped with another axle that has different boots than a 1996?

 

all 1995 - 2004 axles, legacy, outback, impreza, forester, can be used in your car. (Maybe even back to 1990?) if the boots differ (I'm not sure they do but I feel like I've seen different boot numbers) you would have fitment issues.

 

Agreed I'd try wrapping it before a boot kit. Probably some great ideas if you google it. A friend of mine did it and it lasted pretty decent.

 

I can swap an axle quicker than the time you'll spend doing this, probably quicker than you've already spent, less than an hour. If you do go that route Get 2000-2004 axle and tap the tone ring off the end, they have better boots and are newer

Www.car-part.com

You could easily look up cv boots and see what years they fit. Check a few and see if you notice anything. Might not be determinate as it can not be listed but still work.

About 20 years ago, I tried using a split boot. It did not fit well at all, or even seal together very well. Just a complete waste of time and money. Maybe after 20 years they are better, but I doubt it. From the picture you posted, it looks just like what I had back then.

Wow - ok I will at least take a closer look at it this weekend but seems like most of you say a split boot is a waste of time - short life. Although, decades ago I replaced a cvj outer boot on my father's Subaru wagon and I think it lasted at least a couple of years - until car was totaled in a roll over - don't know how long Son's boot has been split - son just bought car a few months ago. 

 

At worse - I'll do a cling wrap temporarily as noted and hit junk yard. 

 

Thanks....Milty