torn CV boot

[Phast SVX]

MY friend was driving his SVX today, and he noticed grease sprayed all over his wheel well etc, and found teh boot to be torn. Its not making anykind of noise or anything, how long is it safe to drive like this, and will a torn boot cuase any long term damage?
thanks
phil

[wawazat??]

Damage is most likely already done Phil. Once the boot is torn the jint is exposed to the elements (water and dirt) which combine to make a very nice grinding paste.

How long before the joint fails catastrophically is anyones guess.

Todd

[Subafreak]

I would replace the boot right away and clean out the joint as best as you can. When you change the outer boot you have to take the inner one apart to do it, so get bolth boots.

I had my first one rip when I went to get my car inspected. I had just had it up on the lift the night before to make sure every thing looked good for the next day, and the damn thing ripped on the way there. I fixed it the next day and brought it back the next weekend for them to pass it. That was 2years ago and that axle is still running strong.

[SVXMAN2001]

forget about replacing the boot, and replace the entire axel. I had this same exact problem up until a couple weeks ago. For $159 you can have the whole axle replaced. Granted its a rebuilt part, but it contains new joints, pin, and is guaranteed to exceed oem specs. I have been happy so far, although i've had some problems. I highly doubt they are axle related. The site is www.raxles.com at least worth a look

[Subafreak]

But the boots cost me $40 pair.

[SVXMAN2001]

just one option. I took it and i am happy with it

NomadTW and I spent all day at a car show then went out to dinner. the boot must have torm somewhere between the show and going to dinner as I had completely detailed the car prior to the show and would have noticed the boot being torn. When we got the resturaunt i noticed greese on my wheel and in the wheel well and such so i started to inspect things. I found a torn outer boot, and immediatly drove home and put the car in the garage (as rain was coming but not here yet.) I successfully have the car put away, and NomadTW (Brad) lent me his Outback.

Here is a pic of the damage.

.

[Phast SVX]

for some reason the word "ripped" dosnt apply to this for me, im thinking more of the lines of "COMEPLETLY AND UTTERLY TORN!!!!"
glad you got it put away before the rain.
phil

I was able to get worked in at Kerven desipte the tight schedule. My car will be fixed on monday!

Mike