CV-Joint Re-Booting on Peugeot 3008: Complete Step-by-Step Photo Guide

Tools and Materials Needed

Before beginning your CV-joint boot replacement, gather all necessary tools and materials. Having everything prepared will make the job proceed more smoothly and efficiently.

Essential tools:

• Jack and jack stands (rated for your vehicle's weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Socket set and wrenches
• Torque wrench
• Pliers and side cutters
• CV-joint boot clamp tool (or large pliers)
• Rubber mallet
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Shop towels and cleaning solvent

Required materials:

• New CV-joint boot kit specific for Peugeot 3008 (includes boot, clamps, and grease)
• Additional CV-joint grease (recommended)
• Brake cleaner
• Disposable gloves
• Safety glasses

Note that quality matters when selecting replacement parts. At Sing Spare Parts, we offer OEM-quality CV-joint boots specifically designed for European vehicles like the Peugeot 3008, ensuring proper fit and longevity.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation ensures both your safety and a successful repair. Follow these initial steps carefully:

Securing the Vehicle

1. Park your Peugeot 3008 on a flat, level surface.

2. Apply the parking brake and place wheel chocks on the wheels opposite to the side you're working on.

3. Loosen (but don't remove) the lug nuts on the wheel before jacking up the vehicle.

4. Use the jack at the manufacturer's recommended lifting points to raise the vehicle.

5. Place jack stands under appropriate support points and lower the vehicle onto them.

6. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.

Accessing the Drive Shaft

1. Remove the wheel lug nuts completely and take off the wheel.

2. Locate the CV-joint that requires the boot replacement. On the Peugeot 3008, you'll typically be working with either the inner (transmission side) or outer (wheel side) joint.

3. Inspect the current condition of the boot to confirm the need for replacement. Look for cracks, tears, or grease leakage.

4. If working on the outer joint, you may need to remove the brake caliper and rotor for better access. Be sure to support these components properly if removal is necessary.

Removing the Old CV-Joint Boot

With proper access to the drive shaft, you can now begin the process of removing the damaged CV-joint boot.

Disconnecting the Drive Shaft

1. If replacing the outer CV-joint boot, remove the center axle nut (you may need a special socket for this).

2. Use a prybar or suitable tool to carefully separate the drive shaft from the hub assembly.

3. For inner CV-joint boots, you may need to disconnect the drive shaft from the transmission. On the Peugeot 3008, this often involves removing a circlip or snap ring.

4. Once disconnected, carefully maneuver the drive shaft to access the damaged boot without overstressing the joint.

Removing Boot Clamps

1. Use side cutters or a suitable tool to cut and remove the large and small metal clamps securing the old boot.

2. If the clamps are the crimp type commonly found on the Peugeot 3008, you may need to use a grinder or cut-off wheel to remove them.

3. Be careful not to damage the drive shaft or CV-joint surfaces while removing the clamps.

Removing the Old Boot

1. Slide the damaged boot off the drive shaft, noting the orientation for proper installation of the new boot.

2. Depending on the type of CV-joint on your Peugeot 3008, you may need to disassemble the joint to completely remove the boot.

3. If disassembly is required, carefully mark the components to ensure proper reassembly in the exact same position.

Cleaning and Inspecting the CV-Joint

Before installing the new boot, thorough cleaning and inspection are essential.

Cleaning the Joint

1. Use shop towels to remove as much of the old grease as possible from the CV-joint.

2. Apply brake cleaner to dissolve remaining grease, allowing better inspection of the joint components.

3. Use a wire brush to clean any rust or debris from the drive shaft where the boot sits.

4. Ensure the CV-joint splines are clean and free of debris.

Inspection for Damage

1. Examine the CV-joint races (the pathways the ball bearings roll in) for pitting, scoring, or excessive wear.

2. Check all ball bearings for damage or irregular shapes.

3. Inspect the cage that holds the bearings for cracks or distortion.

4. Move the joint through its range of motion, feeling for any roughness or binding.

5. If significant damage is found, consider a complete drive shaft replacement rather than just a boot replacement.

Installing the New CV-Joint Boot

With inspection complete and assuming the CV-joint is in serviceable condition, proceed with installing the new boot.

Preparing the New Boot

1. Place the smaller clamp onto the narrow end of the new boot.

2. Place the larger clamp onto the wide end of the boot.

3. Slide the narrow end of the boot onto the drive shaft, positioning it where the old boot was located but don't secure it yet.

4. If the CV-joint was disassembled, reassemble it exactly as it was before disassembly, using your reference marks as guides.

Applying Grease

1. Pack the CV-joint with the grease provided in your boot kit. The Peugeot 3008 typically requires a specific type of CV-joint grease for optimal performance.

2. Ensure the grease completely covers all moving parts of the joint.

3. Place the remainder of the grease inside the boot itself.

4. The proper amount of grease is crucial – too little can cause premature joint failure, while too much can rupture the new boot.

Positioning and Securing the Boot

1. Position the boot so it covers the CV-joint completely, with the narrow end securely on the drive shaft and the wide end encompassing the joint.

2. Ensure the boot is not twisted and sits in the grooves properly.

3. Use the CV-joint boot clamp tool to secure the smaller clamp at the drive shaft end.

4. Compress the boot slightly to release any trapped air before securing the larger clamp around the joint end.

5. Secure the larger clamp using the appropriate tool.

Reassembly and Final Checks

With the new boot properly installed, it's time to reassemble the components and perform quality checks.

Reinstalling the Drive Shaft

1. If the drive shaft was removed from the transmission, carefully reinsert it, ensuring any circlips or retaining devices engage properly.

2. For the outer joint, reinsert the drive shaft into the hub assembly.

3. Install and torque the axle nut to the manufacturer's specifications for your Peugeot 3008 (typically between 280-340 Nm).

4. If removed, reinstall the brake components according to proper procedures.

Quality Checks

1. Rotate the drive shaft by hand to ensure the CV-joint moves smoothly without binding.

2. Check that the boot is properly positioned and not pinched or twisted.

3. Verify that both clamps are secure and properly crimped.

4. Ensure no grease is leaking from either end of the boot.

Reinstalling the Wheel

1. Mount the wheel back onto the hub.

2. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern.

3. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

4. Torque the lug nuts to specification (usually around 100-120 Nm for the Peugeot 3008) using a star pattern.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful work, you might encounter some challenges during this procedure. Here are solutions to common issues:

Difficulty Removing the Drive Shaft

If the drive shaft is stuck in the hub:

• Never hammer directly on the threaded end of the drive shaft
• Use a proper puller tool designed for drive shaft removal
• Apply penetrating oil to rusted or seized components
• Tap the hub assembly gently with a rubber mallet while applying even pressure

Boot Installation Challenges

If you're having trouble fitting the new boot:

• Use silicone spray (not oil-based lubricants) to help slide the boot into position
• Ensure you have the correct boot for your specific Peugeot 3008 model year
• Warm the boot slightly with a hair dryer to make it more pliable in cold weather
• Check for any burrs on the drive shaft that might be catching the boot

Post-Installation Noises

If you hear clicking or popping noises after completion:

• Ensure the axle nut is torqued to specification
• Verify the CV-joint was reassembled correctly if it was disassembled
• Check that the joint received adequate grease
• Confirm no damage to the CV-joint was missed during inspection

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance

To maximize the lifespan of your newly installed CV-joint boot and the drive shaft system:

Regular Inspections

1. Visually inspect your CV-joint boots every 10,000 kilometers or during routine maintenance.

2. Look for signs of cracking, tearing, or grease leakage.

3. Check that the boot clamps remain tight and properly positioned.

4. Listen for clicking noises when turning, which can indicate CV-joint problems.

Driving Habits

Certain driving behaviors can extend the life of your CV-joints and boots:

• Avoid aggressive driving with frequent rapid acceleration
• Be gentle when driving over speed bumps and rough terrain
• Reduce stress on the joints by taking wider turns when possible
• Allow your Peugeot 3008 to warm up properly in cold weather before driving aggressively

When to consider a professional reconditioning service: If you experience persistent issues with your drive shafts or are uncomfortable performing this maintenance yourself, Sing Spare Parts Co offers comprehensive drive shaft reconditioning using our proprietary SP3G method, which can restore your drive shaft to like-new condition while being more economical than complete replacement.

Conclusion

Replacing a CV-joint boot on your Peugeot 3008 is a moderately complex but manageable maintenance task that can save you considerable money compared to replacing the entire drive shaft assembly. By following this comprehensive guide, you can successfully complete this repair and extend the life of your vehicle's drive train components.

Remember that timing is crucial when it comes to CV-joint boot replacement. At the first sign of a tear or crack in the boot, take action to prevent damage to the expensive CV-joint itself. Regular inspection of these components should be part of your routine maintenance schedule.

For those who prefer professional assistance, or if you discover that your CV-joints are already damaged beyond a simple boot replacement, Sing Spare Parts Co offers expert drive shaft reconditioning and replacement services. With over 50 years of experience specializing in European vehicles like your Peugeot 3008, our team can provide the highest quality solutions for all your drive shaft and steering system needs.