Best source for split axle boot

[Mike Smith]

Mike Wilson wrote:
Right you are, Vic. The video I've seen shows it being installed over the shock mount. A true PITA.

Mike

I've gotta see that!

It`s like trying to get a girl back in her tights in the back of a 356 ------- (I`m told)

[Vic Skirmants]

Mike Wilson wrote:
Right you are, Vic. The video I've seen shows it being installed over the shock mount. A true PITA.

Mike

I've gotta see that!

It`s like trying to get a girl back in her tights in the back of a 356 ------- (I`m told)

You rascal!

[Mike Wilson]

What a visual! Ha!

Mike

[David Jones]

I think you have to be at least in your 60's to even know what Mike is alluding too. If I correctly remember that far back, when I came to the states in 1980 tights were already falling out of favor as were bra's at least in the women of my acquaintance. Only one of my race crew wore a bra to my uncertain knowledge. I am also not the one with the least hair in the attached picture.

[Martin Bruechle]

Here is some really good axle boots.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Porsche-356-en ... :0&vxp=mtr

[Wes Bender]

That's a little like selling used tires or used fuel hose...... The labor you have to expend justifies buying the best boots you can.

[Mark Roth]

I’m resurrecting this topic from 2018. I have a leak between the boot and axle at the small clamp. Tightened the clamp to no avail.
Do all the suppliers stock the German boot?
I recall that the screw type clamps are recommended. Yes?
I will have a shop replace the boot. Should I do both?
I have Swepco 201 in the transmission which the shop doesn’t stock. If a buy a gallon to at least top off the fluid, I could change all the oil in the transmission. Last changed in May 2006, 32,000 miles ago. Should I change it?

[Mike Wilson]

I'd check the surface of the axle tube to make sure it is smooth and the boot doesn't have any deformities. I know others have seen leaks with Swepco. If the other side isn't leaking and is fairly new, I'd leave it alone.

Mike

[Dave Erickson]

I had a leak in the same spot, that no amount of retightening would solve. I used solid boots on the transmission Jacques rebuilt, so far no leaks.

[Harlan Halsey]

The factory method was to install the boot over the bell as Vic said. There are videos and description of how to do it, maybe on this forum. Ron Chuck and Norbert Nislony could do it confidently. (Both suggest smoothing the edge of the bell a bit.) The problem with the axle boots is the quality of the rubber. The best boots seem to last me about 10 years. And these boots only flex a little when the suspension moves. My Mercedes axle boots flex with every revolution of the wheel, yet they seem to last indefinitely. With modern materials, there is a solution out there-just not enough market for it as long as the relatively cheap stuff is out there. When too lazy to disassemble everything, I have used Elring brand split boots.

[Martin Benade]

Mark, I’d try removing the band clamp and putting a little sealant into the edge gap of the boot. Then tighten the band as little as possible as too tight deforms it. Even a new one will leak if it’s too tight.

[Mark Roth]

I just have jack stands. How do I add the sealant to a Swepco coated axle tube? Which sealant?

[Martin Benade]

I’ve used permatex Aviation, a non drying liquid. If it’s tilted so it’s not actively leaking, you can spray it down with brake-kleen.

[Al Zim]

Both style axle boots are available. And we use them based on customer desire. I never did the non split axle boots as a kid and am amazed how effortless one of our technicians can do this. Usually the axle tubes are painted for the original boot Gloss black makes the axles stand out! But no one looks under the car at our masterpiece. al

[Kevin Gross]

If you have the axle tubes off the car and apart for painting, etc., the easiest thing is to press the steel arm off the tube, install the new boot, then press the arm back on. Goes quick. Remember to remove the pin before pressing!