CV / Axle rebuild question - Boot Clamps

[jayson]

Question for the experts here in the group. I am in the process of replacing the CV Boots on my 95 (using the GKN kit) and I am having some concerns with the included boot clamps. They are a 'snap on' style. One attached easily, and the other is fighting me on staying secure. Would the proper move here be to pick up some boot clamp pliers and bands? Is there a specific sort of band that I should be using for this application? Help appreciated!

[Johal E32]

I have some old cutting pliers similar to this :https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-8-Inch...44191967&psc=1

Because my tool is old and somewhat dull, they are my go-to for cinching down clamps like that.

[Braymond141]

I'm guessing you haven't realized they are crimp style clamps? You set them on with the hole spacing setup to be snug-ish, then crimp the head with axle clamp pliers.

My suggestion is to get the correct axle clamp pliers that push the head down too. Do no use the cutters that Jordan linked as it creates a tall bubble in the clamp. For the trailing arm side, that bubbled head will grind away at the trailing arm.

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-30800-B...76485293&psc=1

[Johal E32]

Good to know, Brett! Thanks for pointing that out

My friend and I recently rebuilt the axle boots on CV's of my E36 M3. The Rein branded kit comes with clamps that are too large, so I had to use universal clamps like this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

^These style of clamps require a completely different type of tool https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Banding-2...%2C303&sr=8-29

[jayson]

I'm guessing you haven't realized they are crimp style clamps? You set them on with the hole spacing setup to be snug-ish, then crimp the head with axle clamp pliers.

My suggestion is to get the correct axle clamp pliers that push the head down too. Do no use the cutters that Jordan linked as it creates a tall bubble in the clamp. For the trailing arm side, that bubbled head will grind away at the trailing arm.

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-30800-B...76485293&psc=1

Good call, I was not installing them correctly. Going to grab that tool.