help please outter cv boot to change

[roders2000]

hi everyone, im in need of some help, iv just brought a late 03 2.0 tdi A3 and love it but just noticed the outter cv gaiter is split, im looking at doing it myself and read a haynes manuel which states i need to take the drive shaft completely off and in doing this i need a tool to take the inner cv coupling off of the flange which goes to the gearbox, but all it says is its a multi splinned tool it says nothing about the size i need, iv never heard of a multi splinned tool, can anyone help me, also is their any easy ways of changing the cv boot? has anyone else done this? any advise would be appreciated!!!!! :D

[fourringsrus]

You can buy a universal gaiter/boot which has a kind of book hinge action which you add a special sealant to and then close it over the shaft.
Don't know if anybody else has used them or if appropriate for the Audi

Stuart

[vwcabriolet1971]

Multi spline keys are similar to torx keys but with more closer spaced "splines" . A 1/4" drive spline key is handy for drive shaft cap screws as they are a little smaller than the 3/8" drive variety. A 1/4" drive spline bit kit is not that expensive. I'm sure GSF will have the individual bit you want. Just tell them it's for VAG front wheel drive shaft cap screws. On no account try to use any other type of key as it will round out the screw recess and then you'll be in real trouble.
With the drive shaft out of the car you can clean all parts and re-lube the joint with the correct grease. If you buy a VAG boot kit it should ,if memory serves me well, include the special Moly grease (blue bag ?)

I personally would not use the split type cover as I prefer to use proven VAG parts that will normally last for at least 6 to 7 years . The split type is not as flexible as the OEM part due to the increased stiffness of the joint and I would doubt whether the synthetic rubber material is the same quality as the VAG part.

[roders2000]

ok thanks guys, great info! ill get the keys and give it a go. thanks!!!