How to Change a Polaris Ranger CV Boot

Replacing a CV Boot in 10 Steps

We’re assuming that since you’ve made it to this article, you probably understand what a CV Boot is and its purpose. But just in case, let us explain. The CV boot is the ribbed, rubber flexible covering (or boot) for your CV joint. Your CV joint is basically what allows your drive shaft to transmit power through a fluctuating angle at a constant rotational speed. Sounds pretty important, right? So the purpose of your CV boot is to prevent any water or dirt from getting in and damaging the joint. It also keeps the grease inside from coming out. So although the CV boot may be a small part of the overall machine, it’s a vital component of safe, long-lasting performance.

It’s important to note that the process for changing your inner and outer boot is different, but both require you to remove the CV joint. Before you do anything, though, you’ll first need to gather your materials.

Materials Needed to Change an Outer CV Boot

• Replacement Boot Kit
• A vice
• A brass hammer or dead blow hammer
• A rubber mallet
• A flathead screwdriver
• A pen magnet
• Boot clamp pliers
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• A rag

Step by Step

Changing a boot is relatively easy, and with a little practice, you should be able to do it in thirty minutes or so.

1. Remove the axle from the machine.
2. With the axle clamped in a vice, use the boot clamp pliers to remove both the large and small boot clamps.
3. Slide the boot back so you can see the inside of the CV joint.
4. Grip the splined end of the CV joint with one hand. Use your dead blow hammer to firmly hit the inner race and remove the CV joint. It is important that you use a dead blow or brass hammer and hit the inner race only. Hitting the outer race or using any other hammer can damage your CV joint.
5. With the CV joint removed, remove the C-clip from the groove in the splines. If it is broken, make sure you fish out any pieces of it that might be in the CV joint using your pen magnet. All SuperATV boot replacement kits come with a C-clip and we recommend replacing it even if the original is undamaged.
6. Now you can remove your damaged boot and chuck it in the garbage. Remove as much grease from the CV joint as you can and inspect it for water, debris, and damage. If you find any, your best bet is to go ahead and replace the whole joint. Even with thorough cleaning, the joint is likely to underperform and eventually break.
7. Use the grease packet included in your replacement boot kit to pack the CV joint with as much grease as you can.
8. Place your replacement boot on the axle shaft in the same position and orientation as your stock boot. Place your new C-clip in the groove as well.
9. To put your CV joint back on, simply line up the splines, hold the joint straight, and give it a few good whacks with your rubber mallet. Give it a few tugs after it’s on to make sure it’s fully sealed over the C-clip.
10. Make sure the small end of the boot rests in the groove and use your clamp pliers to clamp the boot to the shaft and the CV joint. Cut off any extra length of the clamp.

And you’re done! Just reinstall your axle and suspension and you’re ready to ride! But WAIT—there’s more.

Yes, you’re installed and ready to ride. But it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance so you’re not having to pull some big bills out of your wallet in a couple of weeks.

Inspect Your Boots Frequently

The rule of thumb is to check your CV boots for tears before and after every ride. That’s because a torn boot is a small and cheap fix (SuperATV sells them for $25-$30) that can quickly turn into a more expensive fix if left unchecked. A torn boot can let water and dirt into the CV. If you keep riding on it, your CV will break, which could potentially lead to a damaged axle shaft. As soon as you see a tear in a boot, replace it!