Just learned Subaru has obsoleted them, the aftermarket boots don't last.

Anybody able to help?

When you buy the entire CV axial, the boots will last for a couple hundred thousand miles.  What the subaru mechanics like to do it coat them with a fluid that causes them to disintegrate in about 3 weeks, so you will be back in 4 weeks to have even more work done.  It is generally a waste of time to put new boots on a high mileage CV axial.  Replace the entire assembly.

I’d argue that new boots on an old OEM cv shaft assembly is well worth the effort if it’s not left to grind along with loads of road grime, water and dirt in there. 

A mate of mine swears by stretchy boots. I saw one (now a meme somewhere) that wrapped the boot around the shaft a number of times when the gizzards of the CV joint let go for whatever reason. The CV joint was rebuilt on the side of the road and the boot reused! 

I’ve used various aftermarket boots with good success. I next time I’ll be trying these stretchy boots. 

Cheers

Bennie

Try looking for an EMPI 86-1098-D. See if the boot shape matches.

:]

 

7 hours ago, el_freddo said:

I’d argue that new boots on an old OEM cv shaft assembly is well worth the effort if it’s not left to grind along with loads of road grime, water and dirt in there. 

A mate of mine swears by stretchy boots. I saw one (now a meme somewhere) that wrapped the boot around the shaft a number of times when the gizzards of the CV joint let go for whatever reason. The CV joint was rebuilt on the side of the road and the boot reused! 

I’ve used various aftermarket boots with good success. I next time I’ll be trying these stretchy boots. 

Cheers

Bennie

Me too. Have never replaced an axle. I watch mine and replace when they leak. Noticed long ago the quality of Subaru rubber and how long factory boots lasted. After market/parts house boots not so good. Ebay sellers have couple outer NOS boots, no inners. Guess I'll order BECK/ARNLEY 1032129  from Rock. Rubber for these old cars getting hard to get. Wonder how many still running>

4 hours ago, SuspiciousPizza said:

Try looking for an EMPI 86-1098-D. See if the boot shape matches.

:]

 

Yup, fitment chart shows "74-"97. Thanx!