A4 Allroad 2015 CV boots

[Boy]

I have discovered that both of my front driveshaft CV joint boots are split badly. Car has just 94k miles and having had A4s for several years without ever experiencing this problem I am puzzled. Have Audi started using inferior boots? Any other suffered this problem?

[Crasher]

Split CV boots are much less of a problem these days with the new plastic versions, what is the VIN?

[Boy]

VIN is. WAUZZZ8k8GA001180
Is the suspension travel greater on the Allroad so the boots can be under strain?
MOT chap failed to spot it even though I asked specifically if the previous year’s advisory had been fixed. I find that very poor and will have words with him. I just hope that the joints have not been damaged-they will presumably need a careful clean prior to new grease and boots.

[Crasher]

Yes, we put them in the degreaser tank and get all the old stuff out and then rinse them clean with brake cleaner and compressed air until they are spotless. Often we have to descale, wire wheel and treat rust on the boot mounting face, we use Dinitrol rust converter. The genuine number for the kit is 8T0 498 203 and costs £59.68 but without ETKA at work I can’t see if this comes with the main bolt, if I had the time (UK stock is poor) I would obtain the OE GKN LOBRO kit 306619. An important point with this design of boot is that the correct clamping tool must be used as the old hand operated type cannot achieve a tight grip and will allow water in

[Boy]

Thanks Crasher. That is clearly the way to do a thorough job. Is the tool for securing the boots a specifically Audi/vw tool or is it generally used by workshops these days?

[Boy]

Can anyone point me in the right direction regarding the special tool required for securing the boot clips on the GKN boot kit please?

[Crasher]

Laser Tools 7316 CV Boot Clamp Pliers 3/8"D but these will work with a pair of 1/2” ratchets in the square holes, fiddly though

[Boy]

Thanks.