You have to install the boots with the right amount of "tension" between the volutes. If you squish it too much or you stretch it too much the boot can tear. To complicate matters the shaft floats between the 2 C/V joints so you should center the shaft first before tightening the clamps. YOu also should not induce any twisting to the big end or small end. Finally if one of the volutes folds in on itself you have to "pinch" it to get it back into shape. Difficult to explain, easy to show. You also have to pack enough grease inside the joint, that also helps the boot hold it's shape. There is a good procedure over at dmcnews.com on the C/V joints. Make sure the lip on the big end is not bent or out-of-round. That can happen if you move the joint too far and the shaft hits and bends the lip. You have to be careful during removal or installation not to bend that lip as you handle the C/V joints and shaft. You can't allow it to just hang, you MUST support the loose end. You should not have to use any tools with sharp edges near the boots. A small tear will eventually rip through. David Teitelbaum vin 10757 --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "drdhdmd" <doctorDHD@...> wrote: > > I've owned my car for almost 4 years and need to replace the CV boots > for the third time. The outers are ok buy the inners are torn near > the transmission, ie the big end. Any ideas as to what I could be > doing wrong during the installation. They don't seem to be torn right > at the clamp so I don't think the clamps are too tight... and yes t To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/