As you may know, British Leyland designed the propshat of the later TR7 with constant velocity joints rather than the more commonly used universal joints.
Each constant velocity joint is protected by a rubber boot which keeps the dirt out and the grease in. It is not uncommon for aging rubber to rip and tear. C/V joints get damaged very quickly once the rubber boot is damaged.
Yo may have guessed by now that one of the boots on the propshaft of our TR7 did indeed rip. A look in the parts catalogue and a posting on the TR8 list soon revealed the sad reality. British Leyland designed the propshaft as one non-serviceable unit! No replacement rubber boots. You just buy a new propshaft from your friendly dealer (US$400).
The replies to our postings on the TR8 list did indicate that it is possible to take the joints apart and that a boot for some Austin Mini c/v joints can be fitted. The correct Mini boot fits because it is very short. The clip for the small end is actually inside the boot.
The propshaft is easy to remove from the car. It is held in place by eight bolts with nylox nuts. I removed it three times. The first two times, we installed boots for other types of cars which seemed to fit. Unfortunately, these boots were too long and ripped within a few kilometres.
We took some pictures during the process.
The drive shaft next to the Austin Mini rubber boot that will be installed.
A look at the parts of the disassembled c/v joint. Dissassembly is relatively easy and straightforward.
The propshaft, ready to be installed on the car.
The c/v joint at the other end of the shaft with the original boot.
MOPROD c/v joint boot kit # CVK 151.
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