Not sure what forum/category is best suited for this simple question - Drivetrain or Suspension?
Has anyone opted to use wormgear clamps on their CV/axle boots opposed to the factory/supplied type crimp clamps?

I'd thought remembered reading a debate on one of the forums (years ago) with regards to using wormgear style clamps on the CV boots that would cause an imbalance, vibration and (perhaps) premature wear on the splines.

I have the crimp clamps and tool. I intend on using them. But in the offhand chance that I should mess one up....

Just wondering and asking for any input as I don't recall the debate having ever been resolved.

Thanks.

 

I am ashamed to admit, yes I have used at worm gear style clamp on a CV axle boot before. I cannot remember why but I noticed an issue with one of the inner (small) pinch style clamps and I did not have the time or desire to remove the CV axle and do it right, so I put a worn gear clamp on it. No issues for me whatsoever.

 

I’ve used zip ties on those….

 

While worm gear clamps on the axle boots may be ok I would be loathe to use me car as a test bed. With rare exceptions and these first with my motorcycle engine and later car engine experience -- now decades in the past -- I strive to use the factory clamps for CV boots, hoses, etc.

 

I wonder if this would be a good application for those heavy duty metal zip ties...

 

The metal zip ties unfortunately don't clamp tight enough and grease will leak past it..lol I too used a worm gear because the clamp that came with one of my axles was crap , it hasn't effected drive ability one bit. No shimmy or shake or anything from it thankfully.
auto zone sells a quick repair universal axle boot that's a 2x piece design and it clamps over your boot and axle. It looks work trying imo...
but I suggest getting it sealed asap. I drove with a torn boot for maybe 2x months 2000miles and the bearings were SHOT from it , I even added grease a few times but it just probably got slung out immediately.

 

Thanks for all the input in such a short amount of time since posting..

@ghostwrench - No shame my friend. Sometimes ya gotta do what you gotta do in a pinch. Besides, I've resorted and used wormgear camps on my old aircooled transaxle boots for many years (with never a problem), prior to owning a Mini.
Which made me think in contrast to the Mini - Those (VW) pre-'69 swing-axles were robustly huge compared to a Mini. On the otherhand, I also remember a discussion between some of the elder VW guys insisting that the 2wo part quick-fix, bolt together boots were not recommended as due to imbalance issues as a result.

The use of a ziptie sounds intriguing but admittedly is something I never thought about considering for this application. If installed properly and tightly, I would imagine it would certainly look aesthetically pleasing, more so than a wormgear clamp (I suppose).

Nonetheless - since I couldn't remember where I read the previous discussion/debate; I thought it would be interesting to hear your thoughts from the Mini crowd.

 

You need these pliers https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben.../006343sch01a/




Just make sure you get some extra clamps, incase you mess one up. When i did them you just place on and crimp, most boot kits come with them. I got them on the first time.

 

I have similar pliers - I will refer to mine as "hog nose pliers".
I've used them many times in the past but they can be a pain in tight spaces and awkward angles.
Luckily the subframe will be removed.