Question on cracked U-joint boot on ATV

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NH_Wood

NH_Wood

Minister of Fire
Dec 24, 2009
2,602
southern NH
Hey guys - thought about posting this on a ATV forum, but.....this is the only forum I belong to and figured there's enough smart guys to help here - so here goes.

Changed my oil today on my ATV (see sig line for type). After removing the shroud to access the oil filter, I looked at the boot for the front u-joint, and it's in rough shape - good rip. So....I've never done this job, but I'd probably try, but tight on time and I use this ATV to plow - snows coming. A couple questions: 1) can I jimmy some type of material to cover the boot? Is there major damage that may occur other than damage to the front u-joint? My thought is this - the joints are tight - and if I need to pay a shop to repair the boot, I might as well pay to have the joints replaced - the machine is about 10 years old. So, should I just run as is or with some time of mickey-moused temporary cover on the boot, and once the joint fails - pay to replace anyway? The rear boot at the diff seems fine, so I assume I'm okay with potential leaks into the diff. Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions are welcome! Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving everybody!
 
The only issue with a ripped boot Is dirt might stick to the grease and cause wear. If you are using it to plow in the winter there is not going to be much dust or dirt or mud to get in. I would not worry about it. It will take a ton of abuse and use before it needs repacement. If you get it replaced they will replace the whole joint not just the boot so I doubt there is any risk using as is. You could always try some duct tape!
 
jrems said:
The only issue with a ripped boot Is dirt might stick to the grease and cause wear. If you are using it to plow in the winter there is not going to be much dust or dirt or mud to get in. I would not worry about it. It will take a ton of abuse and use before it needs repacement. If you get it replaced they will replace the whole joint not just the boot so I doubt there is any risk using as is. You could always try some duct tape!
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Beautiful and sounds great to me - I might do a little backwoods fixin and let her ride - the ATV is my home machine - no major riding - toting wood trailer, plowing, ,etc. - so doesn't get buried in mud, water, etc. - sounds like it should be okay for the time being - just didn't want a major problem as I get ready for plow season! Thanks! Cheers!
 
I had a bad boot on my Yamaha when I got it....another one was in bad shape also. So I had my mechanic do all 4 boots @ ~$20 per boot and $75 labor. He did have a tough time getting the shafts out.

Ken....that's slick....;)
 
Bones said:
I had a bad boot on my Yamaha when I got it....another one was in bad shape also. So I had my mechanic do all 4 boots @ ~$20 per boot and $75 labor. He did have a tough time getting the shafts out.

Ken....that's slick....;)
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Dang Bones - I want your mechanic! Great deal! Thanks Ken for the video - found a few others on youtube as well that were good - most for CV joints but a couple for U-joints and one just happened to be a 2004 Bombardier (330 though). Thanks again - Cheers!
 
NH_Wood said:
Dang Bones - I want your mechanic! Great deal! Thanks Ken for the video - found a few others on youtube as well that were good - most for CV joints but a couple for U-joints and one just happened to be a 2004 Bombardier (330 though). Thanks again - Cheers!
Click to expand...

He is "very reasonable"....but very busy as a part time mechanic, in addition to his daytime job.....I'm still waiting 6 months later to rebuild my clutches, at least they aren't toooo bad....:rolleyes:
 
NH........

I would fix them now. The price of a boot is peanuts compared to the axle. Don't be fooled, most of these front axle drive spindles are built the same and need replaced as a whole unit, at least the Honda's are, again they are not rebuildable. From my experience they are not a typical universal joint you find like on a drive shaft of a truck.

They are not hard to change! Google it, I'm sure the steps and methods are there. I have done at least 4 of these in the last 20 years on my machines and again it doesn't take long or to much effort.

Don't ignore it, you will pay a much higher price later!

Craig
 
I agree with Shmudda just fix it. I've done several, not much too it.
 
Well, this complicates things! Was hoping to avoid the fix right now since i have to run the machine to plow my driveway, but more importantly, I need to plow my paths to the barn, etc. for wood and work. I have to keep up on the snow right away or I get snowed in fast and can't plow after it gets heavy or wind packed. I may have to wait for spring - probably won't have more than 30 hours on the machine all winter. Thanks everyone.
 
They do make silicone slip on boots that are held with zip ties. They clam shell over the joint and hold together with a groove and wedge like Tongue and groove with zip ties on both ends. Not as good as taking it apart and putting a solid boot on but way better than running without any protection.
 
BobUrban said:
They do make silicone slip on boots that are held with zip ties. They clam shell over the joint and hold together with a groove and wedge like Tongue and groove with zip ties on both ends. Not as good as taking it apart and putting a solid boot on but way better than running without any protection.
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Bob - that sounds great - any info on brand name, etc., to do a search? Thanks! Cheers!
 
Gosh - I don't know? My friend and mechanic installed one on my old beater Tahoe wood hauler when the boot was torn. Try parts stores and take a measurement of your existing boot with you. As I understand they are universal and come in a few sizes for different configurations. You just want to keep as much snow, salt and dirt out while keeping grease in.

I would guess any place that sells off road stuff will have them in different colors to make your off-roader look cool.

I am sure the Google would turn them up
 
Thanks Bob - will check it out! Might be a great fix - joint is perfect, just torn boot - this might save a lot of time. Cheers!
 
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