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My vehicle allegedly needs both front CV joint boots replaced. These work as an "axle dust seal". Mechanic said it could cause further damage to my axle if not repaired. Problem is they want to charge $600 for the work. I'm trying to gauge the possible severity of said repair. That's not a small amount of change for me. Especially, when there's other costly repairs I may need soon: replace noisy flap motor ($330) and replace spark plugs ($200).
I know nothing about vehicle mechanics and am at the mercy of the mechanic. Trying to make sure I'm not getting shafted before I break the bank. FYI...these repairs came from word of a dealer.
You should always post at least year/make/model when asking vehicle questions. You do not have to be a mechanic to check this. You can jack the car up (use jack stands to support it-these are actually not very expensive and I would never look under a vehicle using just a jack) and look behind the wheel. You will see a metal rod (shaft) with rubber boots around them. Inspect the boots for any tears. If there are tears in any of the boots you know that the mechanic was correct. Yes, torn rubber will allow water and/or dirt into the boot and the constant velocity joint(s) will eventually fail. I can't tell you how much the parts would be since I do not know what kind of vehicle you are referring to but I believe that if the mechanic is charging $600 for both sides of the vehicle for labor and parts that is probably not out of line. Again, this depends what kind of vehicle you are referring to.
At 4 years and +/- 60,000 miles...
you're probably better off replacing the CV's altogether.
Do this at the same time you rebuild the brakes and replace the pads.
(to double up on the R&R labor as much as you can)
Oh, and find another shop to do the work.
This guy is way high... even into the thief range.
It's often cheaper to replace the entire axle assembly. In either case, $600 seems on the high side. You can get the entire axle assembly for about $50 per side; figure an hour labor per side and you're at about $260-$300. Get some estimates at competent independent shops other than the dealer.
This dealer is in Scottsdale and likely used to a wealthy clientele. I'm sure this is factored in their prices. I've contacted a local VW restoration/repair shop for an estimate and I'll get a few other quotes before I make my choice.
I've contacted a local VW restoration/repair shop...
This sort of specialty place isn't likely to be any less expensive than a dealer and is still going in the wrong direction.
The work you need is about as plain vanilla as it gets.
Find a (busy!) plain vanilla general auto repair shop...
and get the plain vanilla pricing too.
From several years ago, I remember that when I had to replace the CV joint boot, they recommended that I replace the entire axle as well. This is indeed something that a standard repair shop should know how to do. I never take my car to the dealership; they charge way too much for the labor!
In order to reach the outer joint (by the tire), one must remove the whole half-shaft or axle, and remove the inner joint first. It's too much work, and quite messy. For that reason I just buy a rebuilt axle shaft at NAPA or another automobile parts store, and replace the whole thing. Then take the core back for a refund. One half-shaft for my Civic Si costs around $100.00 (sometimes less).
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