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drive shaft sleeves for Renault Mehari

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Citroën 2CV6 Drive Shaft Boots

The Citroën 2CV6 has three boots per driveshaft, which hold the grease in place at the joints and protect against dirt.

The different types of boots

  • Transmission-side boot: Fits on the sliding section (thick end of the driveshaft) directly at the transmission output.
  • Middle boot (sliding boot): Protects the telescopic section of the shaft, i.e., the longitudinal grooves in the middle of the driveshaft. Since the 2CV has front-wheel drive and the wheels compress and rebound, the length of the driveshaft changes constantly. Therefore, it requires a sliding section. Important: This sliding boot is secured on only one side so that it can accommodate the length changes during suspension compression and rebound.
  • Wheel-side boot: Located directly behind the wheel hub, it must compensate for the greatest steering movements and loads.

Common problems with 2CV boots

The main problem with modern replacement parts made of conventional rubber is durability. Due to new environmental standards, chemical plasticizers—which used to ensure decades of flexibility—are no longer present.

  • Brittleness: Rubber boots often crack after just 2 to 3 years, even if the car has hardly been driven.
  • Grease loss: Cracks lead to grease leakage, which not only destroys the joint but is also a reason for failing the vehicle inspection (TÜV).
  • Installation errors: The use of cable ties instead of the original Ligarex straps.

Does converting to neoprene make sense?

  • Advantages of neoprene:
    • Greater flexibility: The material remains more elastic than natural rubber even under extreme temperatures and severe deformation.
    • Durability: It is more resistant to ozone, UV radiation, oils, and greases.
    • Durability: Neoprene is considered stronger and more tear-resistant compared to standard rubber or silicone.

Replacing the boots on a 2CV is absolutely doable for hobby mechanics, but it’s often a messy job. There are two ways to do it: Either you remove the entire drive shaft, or you just detach the drive-side shaft. However, if you want to replace all the boots, it’s best to remove the entire drive shaft.

Replacing the Citroën 2CV6 Boot Sleeves

Tools & Materials Required

  • Large socket wrench (32 mm): For loosening the wheel hub nut (crown nut).
  • Ligarex pliers & strap: The traditional fastening system for Citroën. Alternatively, good-quality stainless steel clamps work, but not cheap cable ties.
  • Driveshaft grease: Special MoS2 grease for the joints.

Quick Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Preparation: Jack up the vehicle securely, remove the wheel. Remove the cotter pin from the wheel hub nut and loosen the crown nut (SW 32).
  2. Push the drive shaft out of the wheel hub with the steering turned to the end stop. If you are removing the left shaft, turn the wheel to the right, and vice versa.
  3. Removal: Loosen the 6 screws or 4 screws and 2 stud bolts on the transmission flange. Push the shaft together and lift the drive shaft out.
  4. The job is much easier if you remove the front fenders.
  5. Replacing the boots:
    • Transmission side: Unscrew the grease nipple before pulling off the boot.
    • Wheel side: Cut open the old boot. Lightly coat the inside of the new boot with grease and pull it over the drive shaft. This is slightly easier with a mounting cone, but not absolutely necessary.
  6. Greasing: Remove old grease, clean the joint, and fill generously with fresh MoS2 grease.
  7. Securing: Tighten the boots with Ligarex straps. Important: The middle boot (sliding piece) is secured only on the wide side.
  8. Installation: Reassemble in reverse order. The wheel hub nut must be tightened very firmly (approx. 350 Nm) and secured with a new split pin.

Pro Tips for the 2CV

  • Remove the fenders: Removing the front fenders makes working on the transmission flange much easier on your back.
  • Neoprene advantage: Neoprene stretches over the mounting cone much more easily than old rubber.
  • Threadlocker: Use medium-strength threadlocker on the bolts at the transmission flange to prevent them from vibrating loose.