by iwantanatom » Wed Apr 30, 2008 7:06 am
Thanks Terry. I did get a note from Brammo on this after your posting. I will include it below in case this anyone else needs this in the future.
The photos you have sent us show a factory-style large boot clamp. I would recommend replacing it with a better clamp:
1. Cut off the old clamp, after measuring the o.d. of the hub and the boot, so you will have a number to take to the part store (the axle joints are the same size as a 2005 Cobalt SS). Youâ??ll want to buy a joint clamp that will fit the boot, but can be clamped down tighter, so that it will seal better. Buy the clamping tool that is appropriate for that boot as well as a small tube of joint grease. Joint grease is like blood, a tiny bit will make a big mess, so it probably hasnâ??t expelled all that much.
2. Fold back the boot and clean away all traces of the grease with acetone or brake cleaner.
3. Install the new clamp and tighten until the rubber is slightly deformed.
Of course, I didn't read this too closely and wasn't quite able to figure out how to clean the axle grease off of the inner part of the boot and the hub groove. I guess the key is "fold back the boot". The CV joint grease had a warning about not mixing different types, ie you are supposed to fully clean out old CV grease before installing new grease, ugh. Maybe I should just bring it into a shop that knows what they are doing...
Thanks Terry. I did get a note from Brammo on this after your posting. I will include it below in case this anyone else needs this in the future.
The photos you have sent us show a factory-style large boot clamp. I would recommend replacing it with a better clamp:
1. Cut off the old clamp, after measuring the o.d. of the hub and the boot, so you will have a number to take to the part store (the axle joints are the same size as a 2005 Cobalt SS). Youâ??ll want to buy a joint clamp that will fit the boot, but can be clamped down tighter, so that it will seal better. Buy the clamping tool that is appropriate for that boot as well as a small tube of joint grease. Joint grease is like blood, a tiny bit will make a big mess, so it probably hasnâ??t expelled all that much.
2. Fold back the boot and clean away all traces of the grease with acetone or brake cleaner.
3. Install the new clamp and tighten until the rubber is slightly deformed.
Of course, I didn't read this too closely and wasn't quite able to figure out how to clean the axle grease off of the inner part of the boot and the hub groove. I guess the key is "fold back the boot". The CV joint grease had a warning about not mixing different types, ie you are supposed to fully clean out old CV grease before installing new grease, ugh. Maybe I should just bring it into a shop that knows what they are doing...