I'm replacing my driveshaft support bearing (carrier bearing) this weekend and I dont know what to use to resecure the rubber dust boot that covers the connection point between the two shafts. Will hose clamps work or will that throw the balance off. Where do I get the factory style clamps and do I need a special tool for that style clamp. Any help would be appreciated.

Hose clamps will work if you open two short ones and link them together then space the screws opposite each other so they cancel each other out. I just did mine and used metal wire ties that I had a pack of. I got them at a local auto parts a while back. They are like zip ties but solid sheet metal. The buckle is so small that the impact on balance is minimal. We had a hell of a time removing my bearing with all the right heavy tools. After we cut the rubber off the bearing blew apart against the puller. Then we grooved the inner race and cut it with a cold chisel. It was definitely a PITA. We did a customers 02 the day before without issue.

Vernon

I just use zip ties, much lighter than hose clamps. They are also cheaper and one size fits all, so its much easier than stocking all the diffrent sizes of correct clamps like what the DS came with.

Although i rebalance most of the driveshafts i work on when im done changing parts :rolleyes:

Thanks guys for your input. I used a CV boot band clamp tool and it worked really well. It was a pain int the ass to remove. I ended up cutting everything off because my shop press was to short to use on a drive shaft. Thanks, again.

I need to replace mine on an 09 dually, apparently there are 3 different part numbers thru the dealer. I need to stay away from the factory one bc the studs on the carrier bearing wont let me drop it as much as I need. What part number do I need? I tried napa also and they have several part numbers for all years... seems kind of crazy