When last we met I had noticed a leaky axle boot and tightened the hose clamps hoping that would fix it. I knew it wouldn’t. A quick check on JBugs and I had a set of German made axle boots on the way.
First thing is to remove the old boots, for easy access I backed the baja onto ramps and placed a pan under the boot, because when you loosen those hose clamps, oil is gonna start leaking.
Loosen the hose clamps I did not have the tool for the pinch clip clamps that came with it, so I reused the hose clamps I already had. I just slid the clamps to the side.
The Haynes manual and Muir book both say to cut the old boot off. I used electricians pliers instead of a razor, it was just super easy. After removing it I looked for the leak, yeah, I guess it was at the seam.
Now that it is off I cleaned everything with rags and Simple Green.
The boot is split, which means you just slip it over and tighten the nuts and bolts to keep it sealed. I used gasket compound to seal the surface.
Muir says to have the bolts face the back of the bug and either at 90° or straight up.
When all of the nuts and bolts are in, slide it up and put your hose clamps back on. Just a note here, don’t over tighten the nuts, they will just pull through. So make them snug, but not more.
When done, top of your trans fluid and happy motoring.
Parts:
- Split Axle Boots with Hardware from Germany https://www.jbugs.com/product/111598021AGR.html?
Tools:
- Flat screw driver
- 7mm socket
- Scissors
- Towels and cleaner
- Oil pan or tray.