I have been cleaning up and checking my drive shafts and want to change the rubber boots. If I am reading the Haynes bible correctly, I have to destroy the metal joint cover to take the joint off, then change the boot. Have I read this right? Are these metal covers a main dealer supply? If so any idea on cost? These are push in drive shafts with drum brakes.

My Sierra CV boots have integral steel covers. The whole lot will come off when you undo the 6 allen (or torx) bolts.
Don't be tempted to get universal boots when you fit the new ones - they are crappy and don't fit too well.
My boots came with the new CV joints but I think they are fairly cheap (a fiver?)

[Edited on 13-3-07 by RazMan]

Are you talking disc braked driveshafts as mine are drums and I cant see any allen/torx bolts.

Ah .... yes .... sorry

On the drum braked versions it says to have them re-built by a professional or words to that effect.

The ends of the metal tube are just peened over.. we carefully prized ours apart did the nessacery and then peened them back over with a little former made of the rounded shape and just tapped that with the hammer.

I used the stretch boots and although they were a complete b&s*ard to fit and had to borrow a cone from my local garage and plenty of lubricant got them done and have done them without taking them apart.

I got mine from this ebay seller HERE

Regards

Rich


[Edited on 13/3/07 by RichardK]

You can buy new metal covers from ford as a kit, complete with new o rings, grease, boots and circlips. IIRC mine cost me less than £20 a side. But be careful as there are two sizes.
As said before you just swage the ends over with a hammer to fit the metal covers.
Al

Thanks folks. Looks like I have a couple of options.