CV Boot Replacement, axle too?
 

Hi all.

I just noticed my CV boot was ripped (again) and I figured I'd replace it myself this time. I was wondering if there was anyway I could tell, while I have the car all apart, whether I need a new half-shaft or not. I was basically just planning on cleaning it up real well and seeing if everything was still smooth, then putting the new boot on.

How long has it been torn? You have a lot of sand over there that can hurt the internal parts.

You have Pep Boys that will do them for $79.00 est per side plus $79.00 est for the parts per side...lifetime warranty....so if they ever go bad....NEW ONES


My 2 cents


http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypMap.py?Pyt=...r:regT:1:fbT:0

Actually, where I'm at in AZ we don't have any sand, just cinders which are worse. :p

I'm pretty sure that the boot just ripped as I check them quite regularly. I will remember that Pep Boys thing though, just because they've got the lifetime warranty.

There's no symptoms during driving yet as well which leads me to believe that I caught it just in time. Last time my boots went I could easily tell whenever I'd turn sharply by the clicking noise my car would make. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I'll go try to put it on now and we'll see how it turns out.

Crap, it broke
 

Yeah, so new problem. As I was taking off the tie rod, the nut got stuck on some threads. This happened because I couldn't get the rod to come down (no spreader) so I stuck the nut on the top (so the bolt wouldn't mushroom) and whacked it down. I got the rod loose but now the nut is stuck at the top of the bolt. :(

So what are my options now? Can I try to sawzall off the nut or bolt on the tie rod without needing to buy and replace a new tie rod?

Man, all I wanted to do was fix my boot before my next driving shift at Pizza Hut (tomorrow) but now it looks like my car is gonna be in my driveway for awhile. :(

Anyone out there mind if I call them and talk about this?

~Craig

Okay nevermind, I just don't know much about cars (yet). I whacked the tie rod arm up really hard and the nut came right off.

Now I just need to know how the heck I'm supposed to get the new boot on the half-shaft. Do I have to take the sucker out and slide it down from the inside? If I did, I'd need to get a new boot for the inside too, wouldn't I.

Everything is apart right now but I really need to get it back together for tomorrow since I have to deliver pizzas and you kinda need a car to do that... oh crap, I just realized I cut off the old boot to see how to put the new one on which means unless I can get the new one, I can't really drive it... sh!t... :mad:

Anyone up this late? Give me a buzz at (928) 607-5927.

The funniest part: I actually own an SVX repair manual, I just can't figure out what the heck it's talking about.

From what I'm gathering in the section that describes "Replacing the Front Axle Boot," I don't need to take out the entire half-shaft and instead I need to remove it from the inside, removing the inner boot and FTJ, then sliding the outer boot all the way down the shaft.

This is silly. I suppose I'd better order an inner boot ASAP since I'm going to have to take it off now too... *sigh*

If what I'm saying makes sense to anyone, please say so, your confirmation would help a very delfated ego and pull me out of "SVX depression." :rolleyes:

How's it going? :)

Hey, You will do fine.

As for me... I have no place to work on mine so I just go to a shop and pay them.

Did you get it done?

Craig, just tried to call but got Flagstaff Heating & Plumping???

Steve

lol, someone called me yesterday and asked for them...

(928) 607-5921. :D

I think I'm gonna be okay... I'll just take the whole sucker out and do both boots I guess. Just alot more work than I planned on. :(

No one at that number speaks english.:confused:

Steve

I'm sorry, the distress this car has given me has caused me to become dyslexic.

(928) 607-5912

Thanks for trying though! :D

I finished it up and the only causality was a seal at the tie rod which I hear is easily replacable. Although... for all the work I've done, it would've been easier to just buy a new frikkin half-shaft. :D

Nothing but smiles in Flagstaff now! :D

Taking a shower than 5 mins before I have to go to work. Perfect timing. :p

Thanks for all the support guys. :cool:

So...uh...yeah. It's easier to install a new half-shaft than it is to re-do your CV boots?

Who woulda thunk it? :rolleyes:

It is a whole lot easier. Next time just undo the bottom bolt for the ball joint and pull the whole strut out of the way. A half shaft should only take 30 minutes to replace. With the right tools.
Best tool to buy, electric impact gun. About $180.00.

Steve

<< for all the work I've done, it would've been easier to just buy a new frikkin half-shaft. >>

Been there....... Done that......


After having replaced boots 'only' on a few earlier vehicles many years ago, I was thrilled when they started offering 'remanufactured' axles. Replacing boots is a royal pain in the a$$ compared to the simplicity of swapping out a 'whole' axle (especially on Subaru's). (just had to replace both front axles on my 'new' used Legacy Touring Wagon- 3 of 4 boots 'gone'... ) As others have stated, you can do it in well under an hour with a minimum of tools. An impact wrench is strongly recommended for suspension work, though.

Many of the aftermarket axle suppliers are offering 'lifetime' warranties on their axles- which means- even if you crack or tear a boot, they have to give you a whole new axle. The only way to 'fly'.........

-Mark