Agile Off Road Front Shaft

[Tazzieman]

I wonder what % of owners can actually physically crawl under to check their CV joints. Without their own joints tearing or dislocating.
Or knocking their prescription goggles off.
I suppose one advantage of a lift is it's slight easier if you are "large boned"
Nonetheless I doubt whether many chaps are slipping under the machine on a weekly basis.
So perhaps someone can market Propshaft Cam with infrared sensor?
It's a thought; I'll admit not a great one.

 

[Tom109]

I wonder what % of owners can actually physically crawl under to check their CV joints. Without their own joints tearing or dislocating.
Or knocking their prescription goggles off.
I suppose one advantage of a lift is it's slight easier if you are "large boned"
Nonetheless I doubt whether many chaps are slipping under the machine on a weekly basis.
So perhaps someone can market Propshaft Cam with infrared sensor?
It's a thought; I'll admit not a great one.

I may think about a lift. I have the space for it and I’m not getting any younger. Just last weekend a small magnetic shop light slipped down under the engine on my Wife’s Defender Trophy. Removing front-/mid-skid plates and underbody cladding was a chore, even with the wheels on 8-inches of cribbing.

 

[AFdude412]

Inspecting these ‘boots’ has become part of my daily routine on the trail. Were the “micro cracks” visible and/or detectable by touch? Can you provide any photos so that we can all know what to look for?

TIA,
Bill

I’ll have to draw back under there and get a few. I’ll post back soon.

 

[AFdude412]

Inspecting these ‘boots’ has become part of my daily routine on the trail. Were the “micro cracks” visible and/or detectable by touch? Can you provide any photos so that we can all know what to look for?

TIA,
Bill

It's pretty minor. Looks a little dried out. This pic is from my front CV on the front shaft. But all are showing it in some fashion.

 

[C-Mack]

Curious if the occasional application of 303 Protectant could help keep the boots somewhat supple without being overly sticky and attracting dust?

Originally engineered for aerospace and aviation applications, new 303 Automotive Protectant provides superior UV protection for any rubber, vinyl and plastic surfaces of your vehicle, such as your dashboard, windshield wiper blades and even your tires. Unlike many protectants that leave greasy residues, 303 Automotive Protectant dries to a clear matte finish without that sticky, shiny slick feeling. 303 Automotive Protectant not only protects against fading, discoloration and cracking from harmful UV rays, but repels dust and stains, too. Simply spray on and wipe dry for a beautiful, matte finish. Best of all, each application will last up to 30-45 days. Great for use on a variety of surfaces such as: vinyl, plastics, synthetic and natural rubber, leather, eisenglass, PVC, gel coat and fiberglass. Ideal for use on your dashboard, other vinyl/leather interior surfaces of your car, tires, windshield wiper blades and more! Not for use on unfinished leathers (such as suede), fabrics (canvas) or floorings.

• Keeps surfaces looking newer and lasting longer
• Provides superior UV protection from cracking and fading
• Leaves a dry, matte finish no oily or greasy feel
• Helps repel dust, lint and staining
• Brightens surfaces

 

[Dokatd]

Weather checking is not the issue. Plus the stock part has a light coating of some kind on the boot that may look like it has cracks but it's just the film on the rubber.

The failure comes from constantly extruding the boot by pinching it. This happens over time and is not visible from the outside. You will only know you have a problem when the boot has actually torn. It's a dramatic thing not something subtle you have to get up close to see. Now it may be that the tear is on the top of the joint and hidden from view but if you are paying attention you will see it.

Again, the tears or cracks are dramatic. You won't need your readers to see the damage. And the damage leading up to failure is not visible from the outside of the joint.

And finally, if your joint is glowing orange then the boot probably failed some time ago and you just missed it.

 

[Tazzieman]

Nice thought, but the boot is a fairly hard plastic substance and not what you'd call supple. Once it gets a little crack like leather you can't magically heal it.
I just noticed early failure of mine.

 

[Dokatd]

Nice thought, but the boot is a fairly hard plastic substance and not what you'd call supple. Once it gets a little crack like leather you can't magically heal it.
I just noticed early failure of mine.
View attachment 7917222

Yep, you have some damage for sure.

That said, the rubber is pretty supple once you get it off and feel it. But you are right, a rubber spray is not going to help.