CV Boot Maintenance on the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto: Front and Rear

Shop parts for a 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto ATV.

Boot Failure Front and Rear

The four CV boot positions on the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto each face distinct stress conditions, but all four are subject to the same underlying failure causes. The front axle outer boots endure the highest flex demand: at full steering lock combined with a suspension bump, the boot is flexed to its maximum range simultaneously in two directions. The rear boots handle the sustained torque loads and repetitive flexing that come with drive under load. All four positions age under UV exposure and are subject to impact damage during off-road and field work on the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto.

When UV degradation hardens the rubber at the fold lines, the crack that eventually forms may not be immediately visible from the outside—the interior surface of the fold can crack before the exterior shows any evidence. A grease sling on the inner wheel or brake components is often the first visible sign of a boot that has been failing for multiple rides. On a 4WD machine like the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto, a failed boot at any position affects the reliability of the whole drivetrain, which is why catching boot damage early matters.

As a 4WD machine, the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto drives both the front and rear wheels. CV boots are present at both axle sets—two boots at the front and two at the rear. All four positions should be inspected and serviced together whenever one is found to be damaged.

Symptoms to Watch For

The signs of boot failure on the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto are specific to the axle end affected. A front boot failure often produces a clicking or popping during turns under power—the sound is most pronounced at or near full steering lock because that’s where the joint angle is greatest and where wear shows earliest. A rear boot failure tends to produce its noise during acceleration under load rather than during turning. In both cases, grease on the inner wheel or brake components near the axle is the earliest visible evidence, appearing before the noise becomes consistent.

With the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto on jack stands and the wheel removed, inspect each boot directly—feel for tears, cracks, punctures, and clamp gaps while rotating the axle slowly. The fold lines and clamp transition zones are the most likely failure locations. A boot that appears intact but has visible surface crazing at the folds should be replaced proactively. The distinction between front and rear noise helps narrow down which axle end to inspect first on the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto, but checking all four positions in the same session is the most efficient approach once the machine is raised.

On the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto, all four CV boot positions—front inner, front outer, rear inner, rear outer—use the same inspection and replacement process. Check all four when servicing any one of them.

Organizing for the Job

CV boot replacement on the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto requires: floor jack and two jack stands; axle nut socket in the correct size for the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto; a calibrated torque wrench; snap-ring pliers for the differential-end retaining clip; boot clamp pliers or an ear-crimp tool; and shop rags. Each boot position needs its own kit including the replacement boot, both clamp bands, and the correct quantity of CV grease. CV grease is a specialized molybdenum-based compound that maintains its lubricating film under the high contact pressures inside a CV joint—it’s not interchangeable with standard bearing grease or chassis lube.

Work over a drain pan to capture old grease during removal. Contaminated grease from a torn boot is abrasive and needs to be fully cleared from the joint before new compound goes in. MotoSport.com stocks CV boot kits and axle assemblies for the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto.

Disassembly: Front or Rear

Raise the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto on jack stands and remove the wheel on the side being serviced. Remove the cotter pin and axle nut. Separate the outboard axle spline from the hub by pushing the shaft inward—use a hub puller on the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto if the spline fit is tight. At the inboard end, compress the snap ring at the differential with snap-ring pliers and pull the axle free. Lay it on a clean surface, cut both clamp bands, and slide the damaged boot off.

Joint Wear Inspection

With the boot off the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto, clean old grease from the joint and articulate it through its full range—compression, extension, and full angular rotation. The joint should move smoothly and consistently throughout. Roughness or grinding at any point in the range indicates bearing wear that repacking won’t resolve. Hold the shaft and push the outer housing in non-articulating directions—any clunking or play outside the designed articulation means the axle needs replacement rather than just a new boot on the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto.

Installing the Replacement Boot

Clean every internal surface of the CV joint on the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto—housing, bearing balls, inner race—before adding fresh grease. Slide the replacement boot onto the shaft before reconnecting the joint. Work the CV grease from the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto’s kit in by hand, rotating the housing to distribute it through all bearing pockets. Use the full quantity. Seat the boot with both ends in the clamp grooves, crimp both clamps fully, and verify neither can rotate. MotoSport.com stocks CV boot kits for this ATV.

Post-Installation Verification

Push the inboard axle end into the differential on the 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto until the snap ring seats positively. Confirm it’s locked with a hand-pull. Guide the outboard spline into the hub, install the axle nut, and torque to the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto’s specification. Secure with a new cotter pin or re-stake the nut. Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts. Lower the 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto and cycle the steering and suspension through their full ranges to verify boot clearance. A brief test ride confirms the axle is seated and the boot is holding. MotoSport.com stocks CV boot kits and axle assemblies for this ATV.

Related Shopping Categories

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Shop Wheel Bearings for a 2008 Arctic Cat 700 H1 4X4 EFI Auto ATV.

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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace your ATV's official owner's manual. Always refer to your manufacturer's documentation for model-specific instructions, torque specifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. If you are unsure or inexperienced, consider seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or technician.