can i replace my axle boots on my 1970 vw beetle without diassembling the axles. In other words can they be replaced whilst on the car from underneath.
is there any preferred way to go about it?

Swing axle or IRS?
With swing axle definitely yes. the boots have a split in them which are then sealed up with screws.
With IRS i think you have to pull the axle assembly... i think

swing axle so it can be done by a novice?

Yeah that's an easy job you can do on your swinger. Get everything clean prior to disassemble, use quality boots, point the seam at the 10:30 position on a clock so the oil doesn't leak.
There's a great how to on the volksworld website.

Great. Many thanks for that info.

The swing axle boots are split and use small screws and nuts to seal it up.. You have the join at 10.30 as that is considered the best spot for the screws and join to be... as they do have to flex a lot continuously...

. 12 o'clock
. 11 o'clock
. 10 o'clock approx. 10.30
.9 o'clock

if the screws are at the top or at 90 degrees the boot has to bend too much and the screw join will fail...

If one is split replace both boots... also check the oil level thru the oil filler hole.. on the side..

LEE

thanks for that. took your advice and the new boots are on and oil topped up.