A CV boot is necessary for the function of the CV joint on your drive axle. Thus, it is an integral part for maintaining the steering in any vehicle. In the Subaru Outback, each drive axle has two CV joints and two CV boots. Thus each axle has an inner and outer CV boot. Servicing the inner CV boot regularly can be a very inexpensive and effective way to extend the life of any Subaru Outback.
Remove the drive axle on the wheel for which you are replacing the CV boot. To remove the drive axle, loosen the drive axle nut, in the middle of the wheel, raise the car, remove the wheel, and finish removing the drive axle nut. Then pull the drive axle out of the car.
Remove the inner CV joint. To remove the joint as a unit, loosen the baffle plate with your hands or using pliers. Then pull the outer race, a large cup-like piece, off the end of the drive axle. With the CV joint removed, remove any visible grease by soaking the CV joint in a solvent.
Pry open the locking clamps on the inner CV boot by prying the locking tabs open with a flat-head screwdriver. These clamps are the flat metal pieces running around the CV boot. There is a small and a large clamp on the boot. Both must be removed. The locking tab is where the two sides of the clamp connect. They have a groove where the screwdriver can be inserted.
Remove the old CV boot by sliding it off the end of the drive axle assembly. Replace the old CV boot with the new CV boot. Pack the new boot with CV joint grease, which should be included in the CV boot replacement kit.
Secure the CV joint in place by sliding it onto the drive axle assembly and replacing the baffle plate. It should be snug against the CV boot, but the CV boot should not be clamped yet. Place the CV joint in the middle position of its potential travel and slide a dull flat-head screwdriver between the CV boot and outer race of the CV joint. This will equalize the pressure in the CV boot.
Install the new boot clamps included within your CV boot replacement kit. This requires a specialized banding tool, which is available at most auto-parts stores. After the banding is installed, peen the locking tabs in place by tapping them with a hammer and remove the excess banding with wire cutters.
Replace the drive axle assembly in the Outback. Tighten the drive axle nut and replace the wheels. Lower the Outback.
