How to Replace a Highlander CV Boot

The Highlander is a smaller SUV manufactured by Toyota. First produced in 2001, the Highlander is a common Toyota vehicle in North America. Like many vehicles with CV-joints, the Highlander has CV boots to protect the joints. A CV boot is a rubber-like casing that prevents any damage from occurring to the CV-joint. If you find that your CV boot is cracked or torn, you should replace it; it is far easier and cheaper to replace a CV boot than to replace a CV-joint.

Instructions

1

Lift up the Highlander by placing a jack underneath the metal frame under the vehicle and raising it. Support the front portion of the Highlander using jack stands.

2

Remove the wheel nuts from the tires with a wheel wrench. Pull off the front tires.

3

Use a socket wrench to remove the spindle-nut's bolts and remove the spindle-nut. Remove the bolts from the brake caliper as well and push the caliper out of the way.

4

Remove the four bolts from the rotor and pull it off the assembly. Use a pair of pliers to remove the Highlander's cotter pin from the axle shaft.

5

Remove the four bolts securing the axle shaft to the underside of the Highlander.

6

Pull off the axle shaft to gain access to the CV boot.

7

Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the inner CV boot. Remove the snap ring as well. Remove the outer CV boot from the CV-joint. You may need to use pliers or scissors to tear the boot off.

8

Place the snap ring back onto the axle shaft and slide the CV boot onto the axle shaft. Be careful not to accidentally damage the CV boot as you slide it onto the axle shaft.

9

Reattach the axle shaft and its four bolts. Reattach the cotter pin and the rotor. Reinstall the brake caliper and spindle-nut.

10

Reattach the tires and remove the jack stands. Lower the Highlander and remove the jack.