Das Boot...

[Whoru465]

I noticed my passenger side CV boot is torn open. How bad is this? Is it something that can just be replaced. Doesn't look too easy, but I'm figuring that as soon as grime starts getting in there it wont be long until the CV fails...Any thoughts? Thanks

[Mr. Pockets]

You're right - once the boot fails, dirt and water gets into the joint and then it's just a matter of time.

You can replace a boot, but it involves just as much labor as replacing the axle, so for a front axle I wouldn't bother. I'd just replace the whole axle.

[Whoru465]

Any idea of what I'm looking at for cost? And should I just wait for it to blow before I replace it? I'm thinking there might be a way to MacGyver it for a bit...

[SVX_MY_BABY]

Your looking at 3.5 to 4 hours labour plus parts to do both sides. Mine went about 2 years ago. Grease every where on the inside of the wheel! While only one was torn, when we looked at the CV boots and axel boots they were all perished to the point that you knew they would fail soon. Rubber just rots with time. Total cost was $550.00 Cdn. I figured better to fix it before the dirt got into the wheel assembly & ruined it.

[Whoru465]

SVX_MY_BABY, was that just for the boot replacement, or as Pockets suggested, the whole kit and kaboodle?

[Earthworm]

A dealership would probably charge for 3.5-4 hours labor but you should be able to swap axles within an hour.

[SVXer95]

Originally posted by Earthworm
A dealership would probably charge for 3.5-4 hours labor but you should be able to swap axles within an hour.

What he said. You can do both axles in one hour. Two if you work slow.

[SVX_MY_BABY]

2 CV Boots, 2 Axel/CV Boots, Grease, clamps and bolts. Had both front axels removed, disasembled both inner and outer CV joints, cleaned them, repacked them and replaced all 4 boots. (All I really wanted was my 6 month oil change )

[Whoru465]

Hmm. I'm just wondering if thats all necessary (tinkering with the axle, etc) when all I really need to do is give it a boot (Hehe...Ahem) It only split last week, so I don't think too much damage could have been done...But again, I'm no expert...I'll look into my options. Thanks

[SVXer95]

Top of the line Raxles replacement axles will run you about $150 for a front. You can get them for much less elsewhere. I would say, unless you don't have the money, replacing the axle would be better and no extra effort.

[NapaBavarian]

If you do it yourself then make sure that the threads and bolts are clean and free of grease, and use locktyte.

[Whoru465]

Indeed money is the issue, SVXer. I took a look last night again. The area around seems pretty clean. And I had a wild idea (which I'll probably get blasted for) but here goes... What If I took a new boot, slit it, and clamped it on im place of the old torn one. It wouldn't be a complete fix, or a very good one, but might buy me some time on the CV. I don't have the know-how confidence on how to dissasemble the whole lot to put on a new boot nevermind axles...I again throw myself at the mercy of the group

[NapaBavarian]

Water will find its way in through the slit

[Whoru465]

Originally posted by NapaBavarian
Water will find its way in through the slit

Well yes, but I was figuring it would take a bit more time...I'm worried about the coming road salt, sand, etc.

[Mr. Pockets]

Originally posted by NapaBavarian
Water will find its way in through the slit

That, and the grease will fling itself right out of the slit in the boot.

An axle can usually last a while even after the boot has torn.

I understand that money is an issue, so leave it for now and save up your pennies for the next month or two and replace the axle entirely. Otherwise you're just throwing money away (in my opinion) by just replacing the boot.