CV Boot or replce everything?

[stubble88]

So if I have a couple of torn cv boots
should I just replace the boots or does this warrant a complet cv shaft replacement?
thanks

[///M42 sport]

everything since you have to take out the halfshafts so go ahead and replace the rearwheel bearings too.

[jlevie]

This rather depends on how long the car has been driven with torn boots. If only for a short period of time the joints will still be full of grease that hasn't become contaminated with grit. In that case new boots and re-packing the CV joints should be all that is needed.

[stubble88]

rock auto has complete axles, $123 each.
THen you get a $75 core. So thats two complete axles for $100. four boots would cost $24.
Same work is involved. Might as well replace everything.

[jlevie]

I've had problems with rebuilt half shafts having the wrong outer boots that rub on the shock. I've had the same problem with non-OE replacement boots. The only boots I've found that don't have this problem are the OE boots. Maybe you'll get lucky.

[stubble88]

so maybe replace the outer boot with the oem on the new shafts?

[jlevie]

That is what I do if I can't find a good used half shaft that I can rebuild with new boots.

[///M42 sport]

replacing cv boots is messy. given the cost and effort of replacing cv boots vs rebuilt, its not worth it. What if you have dirt and shit that ground down the balls in the joint? Then your off worse than when you started.

The main problem with rebuilt is the splines are sometimes fucked. So just check them when they arrive.

Also if the cv boot is wearing out, the outer boot is gonna wear out soon too. antoher reason to get a rebuilt halfshaft.

[stubble88]

found a place that will do both sides for $150. I supply the axles.