CV Boot Rubbing on Lower Control Arm

[cosmo727]

Hello All

It all started with both inner boots torn. I sourced all four boots, pulled the axles, installed the boots, and reinstalled the axles. Now the outer boot protector sleeve is rubbing the lower control arm on both sides. I did notice that there was very little clearance before I got started but no rubbing. Not sure what went wrong. Could an alignment fix this? Maybe the lower ball joint portion of the control arm got bent somehow during the removal process???

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[thelazygreenfox]

Is the new boot looks bigger than the old boot?

[cosmo727]

The new boot is slightly longer but the outer diameter is still the same.

[Big-Bird]

since the new CV boot is the same as your old one the only other thing it could be is to check that the lower ball joint fully engaged in the spindle.

If not this would keep the lower control arm too close to the CV boot.

[cosmo727]

The lower ball joint was one of my original suspects. It "appears" to be seated correctly, threads protruding and cotter pin hole lined up. I did take the pin out to graunch another flat to line up with the hole, it was tight. Here is a close up pic:

[cosmo727]

I think I found the problem. The wheel side boot protector sleeve might not be seated correctly on the CV joint. I think that it has to be pushed in, away from the wheel which would give it just enough clearance. Would someone be so kind to take a picture of their CV boot/protector sleeve and post it. Please pay particular attention to the base where it meets the knuckle.

[Growlerbearnz]

My CV boots are original- no protector sleeve (unless I'm looking at the wrong thing.)

boot2.JPG (141.54 KiB) Viewed 3076 times

boot1.JPG (124.37 KiB) Viewed 3076 times