How to Replace Yamaha YXZ1000R Front CV Boots

The CV boots of a Yamaha UTV are prone to damage from dirt and rocks, which can easily cut or rip the boots, leading to water and dirt ruining the CV joint.

Watch the video above and follow the steps below to replace the CV boots on a Yamaha YXZ1000R. 

NOTE: We replaced the front CV boots on a Yamaha YXZ1000R, but the process is very similar for the rear CV boots, with slightly different parts. 

Tools and Parts – Yamaha YXZ1000 CV Boot Change

• Ratchet and extensions
• 14mm, 19mm, 22mm, 32mm sockets
• Torque wrench
• Hammer
• Soft blow hammer

• Punch tool
• Banding tool
• Side jaw pincher tool
• Inner CV boot set (x2)
• Outer CV boot set (x2)

Yamaha YXZ1000R CV Boot Removal

Step 1. Raise the vehicle and support it on axle stands positioned under the frame, then remove the front wheel.

Step 2. Remove the 32mm axle nut and washer.

Step 3. Remove the 14mm brake caliper mounting bolts, followed by the brake caliper assembly from the steering knuckle assembly. Use a zip-tie to hold the caliper assembly out of the way.

Step 4. Remove the cotter pin from the 19mm castle nut holding the steering joint, and loosen the castle nut and washer.

Step 5. Use a hammer to break the steering joint free from the steering knuckle assembly, then remove the castle nut and washer, followed by the steering joint from the knuckle.

Step 6. Remove the 14mm bolt and 17mm nut holding the bottom of the shock absorber, then hold the shock absorber up out of the way with a bungee cord.

Step 7. Remove the cotter pin from the 22mm castle nut holding the lower ball joint, then remove the castle nut and washer.

Step 8. Thread a disposable 22mm nut onto the lower ball joint to protect it, then break the ball joint free from the lower A-arm with a hammer. Remove and discard the disposable nut

Step 9. Pull the brake rotor and hub assembly off the axle and remove it.

Step 10. Lift the steering knuckle up and slide the half-shaft out of the knuckle. Hold the upper A-arm and steering knuckle up out of the way with a bungee cord.

Step 11. Remove the driveshaft by pulling it out from the transmission.

Yamaha YXZ1000R CV Boot Installation

Step 12. Remove the old CV boot clamps from the inner and outer CV boots.

Step 13. Pry the old CV boots off the inner and outer CV joints, and clean off as much of the old grease as possible.

Step 14. Use a punch tool and hammer to remove the outer CV joint from the driveshaft.

Step 15. Slide the old CV boots off the driveshaft.

NOTE: The parts needed for the following steps (16-19) are all included in the OEM Yamaha inner CV boot set.

Step 16. Slide the new inner CV boot onto the driveshaft, then pack the boot and CV joint with grease, slip the boot over the CV joint and install the two CV boot clamps.

Step 17. Slide the smaller clamp for the outer CV boot onto the driveshaft, then the CV boot, and install the new snap-ring over the end of the driveshaft.

Step 18. Reinstall the CV joint onto the driveshaft. Use a soft blow hammer to knock the CV joint down over the driveshaft until it bottoms out.

Step 19. Pack the outer CV boot and CV joint with grease, then slip the boot over the CV joint and install the larger CV boot clamp.

Step 20. Tighten the two outer CV boot clamps with a banding tool. Next, tighten the two inner CV boot clamps with a side jaw pincher tool to properly secure them.

Yamaha YXZ1000R Reassembly

Step 21. Use a soft-blow hammer to knock the driveshaft back into the transmission.

Step 22. Grease the end of the half-shaft and push it back through the steering knuckle.

Step 23. Reinstall the lower ball joint into the lower A-arm, then torque the castle nut and washer to 51 foot-pounds and reinstall the cotter pin.

Step 24. Reattach the shock absorber to the upper A-arm and torque the nut and bolt to 47 foot-pounds.

Step 25. Reinstall the steering joint, then torque the castle nut and washer to 29 foot-pounds and reinstall the cotter pin.

Step 26. Grease the inner part of the hub and reinstall the brake rotor and hub assembly onto the axle.

Step 27. Reinstall the 32mm axle nut and washer, and tighten them as much as possible.

Step 28. Reinstall the brake caliper assembly and torque the mounting bolts to 35 foot-pounds.

Step 29. Reinstall the front wheel, then lower the vehicle to the ground, torque the 32mm axle nut to 268 foot-pounds and stake it in place.

With the CV boots replaced on one side of the vehicle, repeat the process for the CV boots on the other side and you’re done.