I have a small leak in the outer cv boot and will need to replace it soon. I know how to remove the axle, but the repair manual doesnt clearly explain how to remove the outer joint from the axle to replace the boot. If anyone has done this, please tell me how.

you need a tool to tilt the bearing carrier. you then work your way around and take out the marbles. once the marbles are out, there is a clip on the end of the shaft that keeps the core on the shaft.

I found that the CV boot kits were about $19 each. I bought remanufactured axels for $69 each and saved the time and agravation of rebuilding mine.

I thought about getting reman axles but mine only have 65,000 miles on them. I would hate to trade in this axle for one that just has new rollers and been regreased with 200,000 miles on it. Around here, it is hard to get decent quality axles and CV joints. Lots of stores have them, but their idea of "rebuilt" is not what I think it should be.

At most auto part stores you can find a split cv boot. You slip it over the cv joint and then glue it together. When done right(every thing kept clean when putting together) it is as good as a solid one. Also there is less flexing on a fiero cv boot then on a fwd one.

Replacing the boot is fine. Split boots seem to work ok.

CV Unlimited has axles for about $130 a pair with a $10 core charge. Pretty good price.

CV boots are not very hard to replace. We do it all the time. Once you have removed the axle from the car then you remove the bands that hold the boot in place. By revolving the axle you will find a c clip that opens up around the shaft and at that time you can separate the cv joint. At that time you can slip on the new boot and also lubricate the joint with fresh grease.

The biggest problem I've had is getting the bands back on tight and staying in place.

Most of the aftermarket bands are a joke. I finally sprang for the Kent-Moore tool to clamp factory bands back on. A breaker bar and a torque wrench are required if that gives you any indication of the tension needed on these bands to keep them in place.

One thing nice about the Fiero is that the outer CV's don't move. That helps keep the cheap bands in place.

But for the effort and time, swap the axles complete. About the third time you have the cheap aftermarket bands fall off, you'll wish you did.