In a message dated 04/07/2008 9:49:47 P.M. Central Standard Time,
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

Never  gave it much thought until it was brought up here. Seems to make
sense to  let the boot settle into place by leaving it unclamped, but
what about  keeping out dust and road grit? That stuff can do a fine
job of grinding  away at the joints. So is it better to clamp it and
risk a prematurely  cracked boot or save the boot by keeping it
unclamped and risk getting  abrasive grit sneaking in?

If the end of the boot is  so loose that dirt can get in then yes clamp it or
install a new one.  New  ones are tight and will not let dirt in  and do not
need clamping.   There are serrations on the axle where the ends of the boots
are supposed to  stay.

Cheers,

Frank  Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains (_Collection for sale_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/trainsal.htm) )
_Frank Condelli &  Associates_ (http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html)
- Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
_Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust  Systems_
(http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/exhaust.htm)
_BusFusion_ (http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm)  a VW Camper
camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15,  2008