Replacing gearbox side CV boot

Hey guys, my 2011 C3 VTR+ 1.4 diesel failed a MOT recently just a few bits that im pretty capable of doing (broken spring, tie rod outer and a tyre) but also the CV boot inner has split on that side. So its basically a disassembly of the driver side strut.

No issue there but ive never taken a drive shaft out of the box before and to do the boot im guessing ill have to disconnect it. Any tips? And importantly will i have to drain the box oil? Some say sealed others say itll leak oil. Also will i need to take off the hub nut? Ive worked on cars where you have only had to drop the wishbone to slide out the shaft but some videos ive seen on similar cars show the removal of the hub nut.

Any help and advice appreciated.

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:02 pm No issue there but ive never taken a drive shaft out of the box before and to do the boot im guessing ill have to disconnect it. Any tips?

Hi ultra2extreme

Drain the gearbox oil

Remove the shaft - it just pulls out from the gearbox

Replace the gearbox to shaft oil seal with a new one.

Disassemble the shaft by cutting the CV boot strap and it will come apart (full of grease).

Refit the reconditioned shaft,

refill the gearbox oil.

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:02 pm Also will i need to take off the hub nut?

Yes, you need to do this to get the drive shaft out, so you can get it on the bench to change the inner boot,

It can be easier to replace the whole shaft as an exchange, but costs a bit more for the convenience, but for me, it is well worth the extra

C3driver52 wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:40 pm

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:02 pm No issue there but ive never taken a drive shaft out of the box before and to do the boot im guessing ill have to disconnect it. Any tips?

Hi ultra2extreme

Drain the gearbox oil

Remove the shaft - it just pulls out from the gearbox

Replace the gearbox to shaft oil seal with a new one.

Disassemble the shaft by cutting the CV boot strap and it will come apart (full of grease).

Refit the reconditioned shaft,

refill the gearbox oil.

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:02 pm Also will i need to take off the hub nut?

Yes, you need to do this to get the drive shaft out, so you can get it on the bench to change the inner boot,

It can be easier to replace the whole shaft as an exchange, but costs a bit more for the convenience, but for me, it is well worth the extra

Thanks so much for the reply, as a new member very grateful. On reflection i certainly could have just replaced the driveshaft, my attitude is much like yours if it makes it easier dont muck about! but i'm now short on time to order anything and the boot is on the way so i guess i can treat it as a learning exercise this time as ive never done one, next time ill do the whole shaft.

is the bolt above the driveshaft the filler for the Gearbox?

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Sun May 26, 2019 5:05 pm is the bolt above the driveshaft the filler for the Gearbox?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/

See how to attach pictures to the forum

C3driver52 wrote: ↑Sun May 26, 2019 7:17 pm

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Sun May 26, 2019 5:05 pm is the bolt above the driveshaft the filler for the Gearbox?

https://photos.app.goo.gl

See how to attach pictures to the forum

Thanks m8, i dont use forums much these days, in the old days direct insertion would have been a no no due to resolution. Great tip

C3driver52 wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:40 pm

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:02 pm No issue there but ive never taken a drive shaft out of the box before and to do the boot im guessing ill have to disconnect it. Any tips?

Hi ultra2extreme

Drain the gearbox oil

Remove the shaft - it just pulls out from the gearbox

Replace the gearbox to shaft oil seal with a new one.

Disassemble the shaft by cutting the CV boot strap and it will come apart (full of grease).

Refit the reconditioned shaft,

refill the gearbox oil.

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Mon May 20, 2019 8:02 pm Also will i need to take off the hub nut?

Yes, you need to do this to get the drive shaft out, so you can get it on the bench to change the inner boot,

It can be easier to replace the whole shaft as an exchange, but costs a bit more for the convenience, but for me, it is well worth the extra

Help! i opted to change the shaft as recommended for the one you linked. But im seeing, while jacked up, the CV boot on the wheel side is rubbing, quite badly, on the anti roll / sway bar :/

ultra2extreme wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2019 10:17 pm Help! i opted to change the shaft as recommended for the one you linked. But im seeing, while jacked up, the CV boot on the wheel side is rubbing, quite badly, on the anti roll / sway bar :/

Hi ultra2extreme,

Did you get it fitted ok in the end?