Can You Reuse CV Boot Clamps After Removing Them?
In almost every case, no. Crimped bands, ear clamps, Clic-R clamps and cut strap bands are deformed or trimmed when they are installed, so they will not seal reliably a second time. New clamps are a small part of a CV boot job, and a leaking boot can ruin the joint you just serviced.
Alpha Rider F00N1887-ARBest overall
Alpha Rider F00N1803IRH1+F00N1801STS1*2-ARFBABest band clamp tool
ynhay CV Boot Tools - 21Best for many clamp sizesWhy CV boot clamps are meant to be used once
A CV boot clamp has one job: hold a flexible rubber or plastic boot tightly against the axle and the joint housing. It has to keep grease in and water, dust and grit out, while the axle spins and the suspension moves.
Most clamps get their grip by being permanently bent. A crimp band is squeezed until a section of metal folds over. An ear clamp has a raised tab that is pinched flat. A Clic-R style clamp is pressed closed and locks in its new shape. Once the metal has been bent like this, it has already used up its clamping range.
If you pry the clamp open and bend it back, the metal is work hardened and the shape is no longer true. It may look closed, but it often grips unevenly. A small gap is all it takes for grease to creep out over time.
Which clamp types can be reused, and which cannot
The table below summarizes the usual behavior of the common clamp styles. Your boot may use a different style, so check what is on the vehicle before you decide.
| Clamp style | How it closes | Reuse after removal? |
|---|---|---|
| Crimp band | Folded and locked with pliers | No. The fold is permanent. |
| Single or double ear clamp | Ear is pinched flat | No. The ear is already flattened. |
| Clic-R style clamp | Pressed closed and locks | No. Treat as single use. |
| Strap band with locking teeth | Pulled tight, then excess is cut off | No. The tail is trimmed and the teeth are worn. |
| Screw-type worm gear clamp | Tightened with a screwdriver or nut driver | Sometimes, if undamaged, but not ideal on CV boots. |
What can go wrong if you reuse a clamp
The biggest risk is a slow leak. A clamp that holds well enough on the driveway can loosen after some heat cycles and vibration. Grease escapes, and the joint starts to run dry.
The second risk is contamination. A loose seam lets in water, road dust and grit. Those particles act like sandpaper inside the joint, and the wear usually shows up later as clicking when you turn.
A reused clamp can also be hard to tension evenly. An uneven clamp can pinch one side of the boot and leave the other side loose. That can cut the boot or let it slip on the axle.
Because the clamp is the only thing keeping a fresh boot sealed, it is not a good place to save effort. The grease and boot are already replaced, so the clamps should be new too.
- Grease leaks out and the joint runs dry
- Dirt and water get in and wear the joint
- Uneven pressure can slip or cut the boot
- A clamp that has been bent back may not keep its shape
How to remove old clamps and fit new ones
Work on a vehicle that is safely supported on jack stands, never on a jack alone. Wear eye protection, because clamps can spring off and grease can flick when you cut or pry. Cut-resistant gloves are also a good idea, since cut clamp edges are sharp.
- Remove the axle following the service steps for your vehicle, and clean the old grease from the work area.
- Cut or release the old clamps and discard them. Do not set them aside as spares.
- Slide the new boot on, and pack the joint with the correct amount of fresh CV grease.
- Seat the boot lips fully in the grooves on the axle and the joint housing.
- Place a new clamp on each end, snug it by hand, and make sure it sits flat in the boot groove.
- Tighten with the right tool for that clamp style, and stop when the clamp is fully closed, not past it.
- Check the finished clamp. It should not rotate or slide on the boot when you push on it.
Choosing replacement clamps and a tool
The tool has to match the clamp. Crimp bands need crimp pliers, ear clamps need ear pliers, and strap bands need a band tool that pulls and cuts. Using the wrong tool can leave the clamp loose, which is the same problem you were trying to avoid by buying new clamps. Our best cv boot clamp tool page lists tools side by side by clamp type, build material and number of clamps included.
Kit sizes on that page range from 8 to 20 clamps. A 20-clamp set, such as the Alpha Rider F00N1887-AR pliers with 10 small and 10 large crimp bands, covers more than one axle with spares. A smaller set, such as the Wokape kit with 8 Clic-R style clamps, may be enough for a single axle or one pair of boots.
Leverage is another point to compare. The Alpha Rider crimp band pliers are listed as torque wrench compatible, which can help you apply steady pressure on a tight clamp. If your clamp tool is tough to squeeze, a model that accepts an extension or torque wrench can give you more control.
Some people also use clamps and clamping tools elsewhere in the shop. If you are holding parts steady during the job, see our best f clamps comparison for general workholding. Do not use a workshop clamp as a substitute for a CV boot clamp on the boot itself.
Safety notes
Wear eye protection whenever you cut, crimp or pry a clamp. Metal bands can snap, and old grease can spray. Wear gloves to protect against sharp cut ends.
Support the vehicle on jack stands on level ground before you go under it or remove an axle. Do not rely on a jack alone.
If you use a torque wrench or extension on a clamp tool, keep your hands clear of the jaws and pull in a controlled way. Sudden slips can pinch fingers.
If you are not sure how to remove an axle on your vehicle, follow the manufacturer service steps or have a qualified shop do it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reuse the old clamp if it looks fine?
It is not worth the risk. A clamp can look intact and still have lost its grip after being opened. New clamps are the safer choice for a new boot.
Do new boots come with clamps?
Many boot kits include them, but not always. Check the contents before you start, and confirm the clamp style matches the tool you own.
Can I use a zip tie or hose clamp instead?
Those are not designed for the heat, movement and grease around a CV boot. Use clamps made for CV boots and the matching tool.
How tight should a CV boot clamp be?
Tight enough that it cannot turn or slide on the boot, but not so tight that it cuts the rubber. Follow the tool and clamp instructions for the style you use.
Do inner and outer boots use the same clamp size?
Often not. Kits commonly include a small and a large clamp, such as the 10 small and 10 large clamps in some 20-clamp sets, so each end gets a suitable size.