Parts for your 1987 Suzuki Jimny-Cv boots

1987 Suzuki Jimny CV boots: are they actually a thing on this model?

Short answer: CV boots aren’t used on the 1987 Suzuki Jimny (also sold locally as the Sierra/Samurai). Technical sources including the Suzuki SJ413/Samurai Factory Service Manual (Front Axle and Steering Knuckle sections), Gregory’s Suzuki Sierra 1982–1997 workshop manual, and OEM parts catalogues show the ’87 uses live (solid) axles front and rear with Birfield-type joints enclosed inside a closed steering knuckle. That design relies on knuckle wiper seals and inner axle oil seals rather than the bellows-style rubber CV boots you see on vehicles with independent front suspension.

Because the Birfield joint sits inside the spherical knuckle and axle housing, it’s protected by grease and sealing hardware, not a removable rubber boot. Up front, servicing focuses on the knuckle assembly: the felt/rubber wiper seals, kingpin (swivel) bearings and preload, the inner axle oil seals, and the quantity/condition of the moly knuckle grease. The rear axle is a conventional semi-floating solid axle without CVs, so again, no CV boots. This is all consistent with the factory exploded diagrams and the common “knuckle rebuild kit” parts listings used by Jimny/Sierra/Samurai owners, which include wiper seals, felts, gaskets, kingpin bearings and shims—but no CV boots.

If the goal is to keep a 1987 Jimny happy off-road and on, here’s what should be checked in place of “CV boot” maintenance:

• Front knuckle wiper seals (felt and rubber): look for grease weeping or oil contamination around the back of the steering knuckle and backing plates.
• Kingpin (swivel) bearings and preload: shim and torque to spec if there’s wobble or notchiness at full lock.
• Inner axle oil seals: replace if diff oil is migrating into the knuckle grease or vice versa.
• Knuckle grease: pack with the correct moly grease during a knuckle rebuild, don’t overfill.
• Free-wheeling hubs: clean and lightly grease, ensure smooth engagement.

Tell-tales it’s time for a knuckle service include steering shimmy, black moly grease slung on the inside of the front wheels, clicking on tight turns (rare but possible with worn Birfields), and diff oil level dropping without an obvious external leak. Many owners plan a knuckle freshen-up around 80,000–120,000 km, or sooner if the truck sees lots of mud and water.

FAQs

Does a 1987 Suzuki Jimny have CV boots?
No. The 1987 Jimny/Sierra/Samurai runs solid axles with enclosed Birfield joints inside a closed steering knuckle. Factory manuals and parts diagrams list knuckle seals and inner axle oil seals, not external CV boots.

What should be serviced instead of CV boots on a 1987 Jimny?
Focus on the front knuckle assembly: wiper seals, inner axle oil seals, kingpin bearings and preload, knuckle grease, and the free-wheeling hubs. These are the wear and sealing items that keep the front axle happy.

How do you know the front knuckles need attention?
Look for moly grease flung on the inside of the rims or backing plates, oily or greasy streaks around the knuckle seals, steering shimmy, or a notchy feel at full lock. If the diff oil level drops and the knuckles look over-greased, the inner axle seals may be leaking.