Steering, Suspension, & Brakes

I'm replacing the boots on mine. One was split wide open & the other had about a 1/4" tear. I've disassembled, cleaned, reassembled & repacked the CV's and am putting the new boots on. The instructions with the new boots say to squeeze the air out of the boot before putting the 2nd clamp on... I did that on one, but the boot is deformed rather than normal looking. When I got the axles new they weren't deformed - and local autoparts store says none of the ones they sell are squished down so doesn't seem right. Googled around & some folks do say to squeeze the air out indicating heat from operation causes the boot to balloon out otherwise.

Anyone know for sure? Thinking I'll split the difference & squeeze some air out but not most/all if no one knows for sure.

Do not know for sure. Never had a problem with my Maxima boots (255K miles). There seems to be inferior quality replacement rubber everywhere. Find the best quality boots you can.

Well, for now, had to use what was available locally. NAPA and O'Riellys were the only ones who had any. Couldn't tell which was better so used one of each. Will see which goes first.

Surprisingly, I got a reply from The Drive Shaft Shop already this evening even though they were closed before I even left the message... I can't say enough good about them! Answer was don't squeeze the air out. Should be equal pressure inside as outside. I was able to use a small screwdriver between the boot and axle to let it equalize.

They are back on the car now