C5 X7 - Drive Shaft Boot Clip - Take a look at yours!

[Paul-R]

Whilst working on my X7 to replace the suspension strut I found that the outer clip had broken and was just rattling around metaphorically. I didn't have another metal clip handy (the one on an old Mk1 drive shaft was too large) so I had to use a cable tie. The one I've fitted is the same width as the old metal one so hopefully the lip on the boot will be held in the groove of the drive shaft properly.

[Sloppysod]

Whilst working on my X7 to replace the suspension strut I found that the outer clip had broken and was just rattling around metaphorically. I didn't have another metal clip handy (the one on an old Mk1 drive shaft was too large) so I had to use a cable tie. The one I've fitted is the same width as the old metal one so hopefully the lip on the boot will be held in the groove of the drive shaft properly.

Not tempting fate....... But i am weary of a cable tie, due to how tight they will go, and whether it streches over time, is it still where you left it?

[Paul-R]

Yes but the car is not back on the road yet!

[MattBLancs]

Cable ties I've heard no good, but as mentioned there's different widths of cable ties and I'd guess so long as a nice wide one was tight enough then should be ok.

I have seen replacement bands on AutoDoc's site will see if I can find them.

The band's I have fitted (as part of CV boot kits variously) have all been steel or stainless steel. I've a thought the X7 bands might be aluminium - going from memory from the gearbox out job I did on mine, so interaction with the driveshaft was limited to getting them out the way.

[MattBLancs]

From their App

Ahhhh, now I recall why I didn't buy any from AutoDoc

Good price, but pay attention to the order quantities on right side!

[Rp0thejester]

At this rate I would consider super glueing it and then pouring concrete around it

[Rp0thejester]

Is there not a better 'boot' out there? Maybe a different more flexible option? IE oiled fabric? Just thought I'd throw it out there.

[MattBLancs]

At this rate I would consider super glueing it and then pouring concrete around it

Don't be silly...

Spoiler: show

...weld it on, of course!

[MattBLancs]

Is there not a better 'boot' out there? Maybe a different more flexible option? IE oiled fabric? Just thought I'd throw it out there.

Rubber hoses get "upgraded" to silicone hoses, so perhaps silicone CV boots are the step up? Never seen any, mind!

[Hell Razor5543]

How about a woven silk base (spider silk preferably, which is immensely strong, elastic and flexible), with a silicone coating?

[myglaren]

The spiders can't read the design drawings.

[Hell Razor5543]

You might be surprised at WHAT spiders can do. It has been shown that they can 'plan' a route to food (with a 60% success rate, so not that bad!), remember successful actions (and re-use them at a later date when required), and DANCE!

[Rp0thejester]

Your spiders must be faulty. My spiders say the boot is there for protection of the metal, if an over boot was fitted then no need to worry as much. If these spiders are wrong then they will be joining their cousins

[Estately]

I used a worm drive jubilee type clip that was the same width as the broken one, it is still ok. The reason being, I discovered that I do not crimp with confidence in that the attempts at replacement with the crimp type did not seem tight enough.

The clearance of the worm drive was good and no vibration has been detected.

Now the replacement clip came out of my treasure trove of "junk". Where it is from or what it was intended for is still a mystery and searches do not reveal any CV boot clips of this type (in case the driver's side let's go).

So a worm drive type clip of about 7 mm width with with a smaller worm drive than a jubilee has done the job for me. It may be an A2 but I am not sure.

Hope that helps.

[Sloppysod]

I used a worm drive jubilee type clip that was the same width as the broken one, it is still ok. The reason being, I discovered that I do not crimp with confidence in that the attempts at replacement with the crimp type did not seem tight enough.

The clearance of the worm drive was good and no vibration has been detected.

Now the replacement clip came out of my treasure trove of "junk". Where it is from or what it was intended for is still a mystery and searches do not reveal any CV boot clips of this type (in case the driver's side let's go).

So a worm drive type clip of about 7 mm width with with a smaller worm drive than a jubilee has done the job for me. It may be an A2 but I am not sure.

Hope that helps.

Will have a look what's around, maybe the amswer to my woes............... Thanks