On the DeLorean (whether it be a manual or an automatic transmission) there are two driveshafts. On the driveshafts there are two constant velocity (CV) joints.

Protecting those joints are axle boots, which can dry-rot or they can split or get a chip, rocks can hit them or debris perhaps and tear. When they tear, the grease that is used to lubricate the CV joints will escape or will get contaminated by water or moisture.

The axle boots themselves are a service item and in the case of removing the driveshaft from the transmission and then each end of the drive-shaft has a cover plate, which once you remove the cover plate, in the center of the CV joints there is a snap ring, which if you remove the snap ring, then you can remove the CV joints and then you can remove the boot.

Installation is basically the reversal of the procedure just mentioned; cleaning up the CV joints and applying the new grease back on the supply with the boot, then putting it all together and back on the car. We generally recommend that if you find that you've got one axle boot or one driveshaft that’s bad, if you have to pull the axle down, you may as well replace both of them at the same time.

Article ID: 70, Created On: 5/11/2011, Modified: 6/14/2011