Drive Shaft Boot Repair.

[Albikes]

While working on my 95 Aspencade I discovered that the rubber boot at the front of the driveshaft had a small split on the seam. No other damage. Knowing how hard these are to find and install, I used a trick that I have used for years when pulling wrenches on cars and trucks.

In the automotive world there is Automotive Goop which is oil and grease resistant, (in my experience Impervious) it sticks to just about anything with a tenacity that is unparalleled and remains pliable for years.

The automotive variant is identical to Shoe Goo made by the same company. Shoe Goo's advantage is that it is less expensive than the tube marked Automotive Goop.

So when I discovered the small split in an otherwise pristine boot I grabbed my trusted Shoe Goo and put a liberal coat over the split. The Shoe Goo will outlast the rest of the boot and took all of about 3 minutes to install.

[tamathumper]

I've used Goop and Shoe Goo on hip waders, sneakers, and various rubber things around the farm. It never stuck to anything, no matter how much cleaning and prep I did. I must just be unlucky.

[MikeB]

If the rubber is just split, super glue works as good as anything to fix it. But, replacing the boot is the ultimate fix.

[newday777]

Knowing how hard these are to find and install

Use a Valkyrie boot. Heavier duty and still available

#8
52104-MZ0-A40
BOOT, JOINT
Price: $13.34

https://www.hondaparts-direct.com/oempa ... c5bc9b0e/y

[dingdong]

And if your boot has one split another is soon to follow. No such thing as a pristine 25 year old rubber boot.

[Albikes]

dingdong - OK perhaps, as you observed, pristine is a bit of an exaggeration for a 25 year old DS boot, but what I was trying to get across is that aside from the one split the boot looks like new.

You are correct to state that the proper and ultimate fix is to replace the boot with a new one and to that end I have a Valkrie boot ordered for delivery - who knows when.

[MikeB]

Before it is time to replace the boot, you should probably read through this thread. It will most likely give you some idea how much work it is going to take to replace the boot.
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=30309

[Albikes]

mikeB - Good advice!

I did review the post you referenced and while I agree with you it is not a simple DIY project to be accomplished in an evening, it is non the less a very do-able project. Will probably do it next fall/Winter as I now have the bike essentially back together and the existing with its Shoe-Goo fix boot should hold up over next summers riding.

Will have to purchase a 17 MM Hex tool though - but hey a guy can never have too many tools.