I was replacing my upper strut mounts, and my friend's dad who was helping me accidentally kicked the jack that was supporting the hub while my tie rods were disconnected, and *pop* went my freshly re-booted CV boot!

I guess those EMPI clamps really are trash. Anyway, I need a new large-side CV boot clamp for the inner boot.

What's a good brand for CV clamps (all my local auto parts stores' clamps are universal trash), and what's the diameter on the large side of the inner CV boot? I remember it looking ~80mm but I'm not sure.

 

Unfortunately you're going to need to buy a new boot kit to get the proper clamp.

There are a couple of aftermarkets available, but many of them use cheap crap clamps.

 

I think I would try a screw type hose clamp. I think there is enough clearance, and they're sooo much easier to work with.

 

A lot of the worm clamps are too wide at that size, you are no longer clamping into a recess, but just over the cup of the CV, which isn't a very positive seal.

 

Right, and I leave on Saturday on my drive to Portland so I can't order a new kit, I have to get it a local store.

I have gone through 3 sets of universal auto parts store clamps (none fit), tried calling EuroTechs (MINI tuning shop near me), MINI North Scottsdale, etc.

No luck! Currently rocking a heavy duty ziptie! I really want a correct-size oetiker-style clamp like the one that came with the kit--that would definitely give me peace of mind. Any ideas, guys? What physical store should I go to?

 

Where can I find a large selection of these? Most are ~1cm too wide, already checked.

 

FWIW we have the MINI OE axle boot kits on hand ready to ship, I could have one on the way to you today.

You'd be looking at $55.55 plus shipping, we would probably need to 2 day it, but you'd be ready to go for your road trip.

 

SAYS 87.5 on the ring from kit # 31 60 7 518 259 - key to a non OEM one is the diameter of the band or width. Its not that wide.

 

The MCS uses the 258 boot on the inner and the 259 on the outer, he'll need the 258 for the inner clamp.

 

could try a ZEBRA brand band 60-80. It's the correct width.

 

If you have the 258 ( I don't ) what does it say on the band for size ?

 

Thanks for the offer, but the current GKN (OE supplier) boots have ~300mi on them, and were $14 apiece, with clamps and grease. Don't really want to order new ones quite yet.

 

Wow, you guys are ridiculous. THANK YOU. To clarify, this is the clamp we're talking about, yes?

 

lol. The ZEBRA brand band 60-80 - you may find at auto parts store, but IMO nothing quite like OEM.. All I have for ya right now.

GL!

 

What stores might stock that kind of clamp?

 

Wurth makes the one I referenced. Nothing quite like OEM though when it comes to these boots. Why not just have DT overnight a kit to ya ?
I think he said he had the inner kit in stk.

Turn your friend upside down and hold him there until the shipping costs fall outta his pockets...lol.

 

Not sure what kind of problems a CV clamp can cause if it fails, but saving $14 dollars before a 1,400+ mile trip doesn't sound worth it. Are you able to get another kit locally?

 

Because I already have really good OEM-supplier boots on the car! They're not damaged, there's nothing wrong with them! I'd literally rather change the ziptie daily than have to pay for a $55 kit.

I need a single clamp. And I have a brand-new $14 boot on the car. So why would I pay $55+overnight shipping to get just the clamp?

Which local stores might have hose clamps that are both thin enough and have a 80-90mm circumference?

 

You'll have to call around, but by the time you get done with that DT could have already had one shipped to you. Its very important for the axles not to have dirt in them and to be lubricated. Getting sand and dirt in there mixed with grease is like using Comet Cleaner on bath tile.....neglecting a torn or loose axle boot will speed the way of your axle to the scrap bin.