Subaru 28023AA011 DOJ Boot

In order to prevent excessive tire wear, poor ride quality, decreased fuel efficiency and compromised vehicle handling; one should periodically check the steering linkage and suspension components as worn or damaged components. In order to examine the shock absorbers of a car, park it on even ground, switch off the engine and apply parking brakes. Push down one corner of the vehicle and let it go while observing body movement. It must come to rest in level position after one or two bounces. If a car continues moving up or down or does not come back to its initial position it is possible that shock absorbers are weak or broken. Perform this check at every corner of the vehicle again. However, you should raise your vehicle so as to inspect for any fluid leakage and ensure they are securely mounted and undamaged at your jackstand supported shock absorber(s). Then look over all parts for any damage, distortion or leakage in both steering as well as suspension areas. Also pay attention to seals, bushings and mounting points for control arms-tie rod ends-ball joints-steering gear boots. Clean lower end of knuckle arm then have an assistant move wheel inward/outward while checking for knuckle/ control-arm ball joint motion at front wheels. If there is movement, these joints need replacing with new ones i.e., control-arm ball joint(s). Place hands on each front tire's front/rear edges and push in front & pull out rear looking for play in steering system components like tie-rod ends which would signify that there is some loose connection somewhere within this system if any free play is noted at all in addition to idler arm being checked too especially if it does not seem tight enough upon closer inspection. Finally make sure that CV Boots do not have tears cracks loose clamps etc because otherwise dirt water foreign materials could cause damage inside CV-joints; hence soap-water washing should remove oil grease until their untimely wear-out. Due to its constant pivoting which accompanies the front hub's steering movement, an outer CV boot wears out faster hence it must be regularly checked for any signs of cracks or leaking lubricant in addition to being replaced if found so whatsoever.

If the CV joints exhibit signs of wear indicating a need for an overhaul (typically due to torn boots), explore all options before starting the job. Complete rebuilt drive axles are available on an exchange basis, which saves time and effort. Whichever route you choose, check on the cost and availability of parts before disassembling the vehicle. Remove the driveaxle. Mount the driveaxle in a bench vise, ensuring the jaws are lined with wood or rags to avoid damage. Pry open the locking tabs on the boot clamps, discard the clamps, slide the boot back, and remove the wire ring ball retainer. Take off the outer race from the inner bearing assembly, clean off the grease, and remove the snap-ring from the axleshaft end. Mark the inner race and cage for reassembly orientation. Using a tool, carefully pry the balls from the cage without damaging them. Rotate the inner race to disassemble. Clean components with solvent and inspect for wear. Shiny spots are typical and won't impact performance. If the outer CV Boot is damaged, address the inner CV joint parts, remove the boot, and inspect the outer CV joint.For reassembly, insert the inner race into the cage, ensuring markings align. Press balls into the cage, wrap the axleshaft splines with tape for boot protection, slide on the boot, then remove the tape. Install the inner race and cage assembly, ensuring the larger diameter side of the cage faces the axleshaft end. Install the snap-ring, fill the boot with CV joint grease, pack the inner race and cage with grease, slide the outer race onto the inner race, install the wire ring retainer, and seat the boot ends. Equalize boot pressure using a dull screwdriver without causing damage. Use a special tool to secure the boot clamps. For the tri-pot type, follow the same steps, ensuring alignment marks are maintained. Use solvent to clean old grease and inspect rollers and races. Wrap axleshaft splines, install the boot, and align assembly markings. Use grease to hold components during reassembly, pack the outer race with grease, and seat the boot ends. Ensure proper alignment of components and equalize boot pressure.The outer CV joint is a non-serviceable item. If any damage or wear occurs, replace the entire driveaxle assembly, excluding the inner CV joint. Service is limited to boot replacement and grease repacking. Remove inner CV joint and boot, cut the boot clamps, and inspect the outer CV joint. If any components are worn, replace the axleshaft and outer CV joint assembly. Install the new boot, repack with grease, position the boot, and secure it using special clamps. Ensure the boot isn't twisted or kinked. Reassemble the inner CV joint and CV Boot, then install the driveaxle.

If the CV joints exhibit signs of wear indicating the need for an overhaul, usually due to torn boots, explore all options before beginning the job. Complete rebuilt drive axles are available on an exchange basis, which eliminates much time and work. Whichever route you choose, check the cost and availability of parts before disassembling the vehicle. Remove the drive axle. Mount the drive axle in a vise, ensuring the jaws of the vise are lined with wood or rags to prevent damage to the axle shaft.For the INNER CV JOINT Ball-and-cage type: Pry open the locking tabs on the boot clamps, discard the clamps, slide the boot back on the axle shaft, and pry the wire ring ball retainer from the outer race. Pull the outer race off the inner bearing assembly, wipe as much grease off the inner bearing, remove the snap-ring, and slide the inner bearing assembly off the axle shaft. Mark the inner race and cage for reassembly, pry the balls from the cage, and rotate the inner race out of the cage. Clean the components with solvent and inspect the cage, races, and boot. For reassembly, insert the inner race into the cage, press the balls, wrap the axle shaft splines with tape, and slide the boot onto the axle shaft. Install the inner race and cage assembly on the axle shaft, install the snap-ring, fill the boot with grease, pack the inner race, and install the outer race. Seat the boot in the required areas and equalize the pressure in the boot. Install the boot clamps using a special tool, and then install the drive axle assembly.For the Tri-pot type: Follow similar steps for disassembly, cleaning, and inspection as with the Ball-and-cage type, adjusting the method for the differences in the tri-pot assembly. For reassembly, wrap the splines, slide the boot, tap the tri-pot assembly onto the axle shaft, install the outer snap-ring, apply grease, pack the outer race, seat the boot, equalize the pressure, and install the boot clamps. Finally, install the drive axle assembly.For the Outer CV joint and CV Boot: The outer CV joint is a non-serviceable item. If any damage occurs, the entire drive axle assembly must be replaced, excluding the inner CV joint. Service is limited to boot replacement and grease repacking only. Remove the inner CV joint and CV Boot, cut the boot clamps, discard them, and remove the outer CV Boot. Wash and inspect the outer CV joint assembly, and if any components are worn, replace them. Install a new boot, repack with grease, position the boot, and install the clamps. Finally, reassemble the inner CV joint and CV Boot, and install the drive axle.

To make sure that the vehicle performs well, it is necessary to inspect the steering linkage and suspension components regularly. Any worn or damaged suspension and steering linkage parts can result in problems for instance irregular tire wear, bad ride quality, poor handling of the car and low fuel economy levels. Check if there is any fluid leakage on the shock absorbers and ensure they are properly secured as well as not damaged when the vehicle is raised. Also check for damage or distortion on steering as well as suspensions by watching seals, bushings and any leakages while observing them visually. Move the wheel in and out while you study the steering knuckle-to-control arm ball joint with an assistant to ascertain if it has any movement which proves a need to replace the suspension ball joint. Pushing and pulling on front tires will indicate play in steering system components so one can also look for looseness around idler arm or tie-rod ends if there is freeplay. Lastly, inspection of CV Boots should be done to find any clamps that are loose, tears or cracks because these prevent foreign materials such as dirt from damaging CV joints; cracked boots should be replaced since loss of lubricant may cause them to detach and leak seemingly inexpensive repairs could turn into costly ones later on.