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Why is it that whenever you bring a car in for work, it almost always leave needing other work? Anyway, looks like my left outer CV boot is torn and slightly leaking. Should I just replace the boot or the entire CV axle shaft? I know the parts would be slightly more costly, but is it more worthwhile to replace it entirely?
You can replace the CV boot, but it requires removing the inside one in order to install the new one on the outer joint. While the inner joint (by the transaxle) can be removed, it's not so with the outer one. Also, you would have to thoroughly clean the outer joint to remove any dirt that has mixed with the grease in there, and this can be quite messy. CV boots are usually sold as a kit, and come with grease and clamps needed.
Go to your favorite automobile parts store, and see how good the warranty for a new or rebuilt half-shaft (the axle and two joints) is. I just go to the NAPA store nearby and buy the half-shaft they have, because the warranty is quite good, and I don't have to deal with the mess. Keep in mind that the old half-shaft (the core) is returned to the store and saves you around $45.00 or more.
If you use a reman and not a new axle it's usually a wash.
The price of the axle should be offset by the extra labor you'd have to pay for changing the boot, plus you'll get a warranty with the axle.
Was your car towed in for the last repair? I've seen more than a couple of CV boots torn by the J hooks on a tow truck.
@Gimme - No it wasn't towed. I knew for awhile that I had a crack in the outer boot, but I've been told that it's now torn and leaking. I believe it's the original thus it probably has had 99K on it.
@RayinAK - Sounds like getting entire axle assembly for not much more would not be that bad of a deal (just to avoid the hassles of complete disassembly and cleaning). Anyway, I can get the one that I originally posted in the first post for $42 (with coupon) new from Advanced Auto Parts. Installation would run ~$140+tax (1.2 hr labor) at a local shop.
$42 for a new axle is a steal. That's the way to go.
Labor time sounds right, dollar amount is high. Are you paying more since you're providing the parts?
I don't think I'm paying more for bringing my own parts (at least I hope not, but still beats paying the list price at the shop). I called around a couple of independent and chain shops and the per hour labor cost is around $100-$150 around here, so I guess that's on par with the DC metro area.
Why is it that whenever you bring a car in for work, it almost always leave needing other work? Anyway, looks like my left outer CV boot is torn and slightly leaking. Should I just replace the boot or the entire CV axle shaft? I know the parts would be slightly more costly, but is it more worthwhile to replace it entirely?
If the tear is SMALL you can usually clean the tear real good with degreaser then patch with Silicone. Or you can get those split boots that you glue closed, very simple.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tickyul
If the tear is SMALL you can usually clean the tear real good with degreaser then patch with Silicone. Or you can get those split boots that you glue closed, very simple.
But only if you caught it early. If grease is coming out, that means dirt is getting in. Your bearings will wear out very quickly with grit in them. The purpose of the boot is more to keep dirt out than to keep the grease in.
Some cars have access to after market split boots that can be put over a freshly greased CVJ. You must remove the old boot and it's clamps, grease the joint really well, and slip on the new boots and screw the side seam seal together. Fast, cheap and dirty. IF you can get these for your year make and model.
If in a slow very tight turn either way the cvj clicks, their dead ducks, get a remade axel then.
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