I noticed the other day that I have a tear in the left CV boot that goes over the front left side. looks like Napa Link to Picture. Only it's just one boot.

The questions:
1. Should I get the whole assembly pictured above or just replace the boot.
2. How hard is the repair? And time to do it? Assuming I have all to tools and everything works like it should.

I was looking forward to going wheeling this weekend but found the tear in the cover, and don't want to get lots of dirt or water inside and ruin something. Looks like some kind of axle grease has already escaped, don't know how much though.

I'm thinking that I could clean the outside, pack some grease inside, duct tape the outside to keep sand and water out. Then wheel this weekend, then repair next weekend? But if I can repair it in an hour or two I might do that. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Its going to be a lot easier to just replace the entire CV axle assembly rather than replacing just the boot. Replacing the boot requires you to tear down the whole joint and clean everything really good, and reassemble. Its going to take a lot longer than an hour or 2. And with most new CV's, you'll get a lifetime warranty, so if you break it, exchange it for free.


If you plan on buying a new axle, then go ahead and wheel it now witout worry and replace it later. That is, unless its ripped badly and all the grease it gone, but it doesnt sound like it is.

The only tool you need other than hand tools and a snap ring pliers is the tool to tighten the metal band, it runs about $12 at Napa. It doesn't take that long to pull one apart and put on a new boot, which w/tool should run you under $25 to do. You could also replace the boot w/o removal of the cv by buying a split boot(or whatever it is called).

I don't think duct tape is going to work, but you could try stitching the tear back together w/fishing line, and seal it w/some rubber sealant.

Is the CV on that side clicking when you go around corners? If yes you need to replace the half-shaft. Replaceing just the boot and grease may work, depends on how long the boot has been torn and how much dirt and crap has gotten in there.

If you want to take it out and wheel it this weekend, pack some grease in there, wrap a shopping bag around it first, then duct tape it. I've done that before; temporarily as to keep from losing all my grease while getting money together for a replacement.

That being said, you can use a split boot as mentioned, or just pull the axle. The core charge at NAPA is around $100, so have it in your hand.

THIS and THIS will get you through the process.

Snap ring pliers- absolutely
PB Blaster for cone washers, absolutely
Pry bar
Pizza
Crockpot dinner
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the Links and advice!

Yea, one of the two shafts "clicks" when going around tight turn. I don't know how long the boot has been torn so I'm thinking that I might as well replace the whole thing. Autozone has the half-shaft for $70 "new". They wanted $15 for the "split" boot kit. I didn't like the looks of the split boot repair idea.

Looks like I have next weekend planned out. Ummm....Pizza <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

And as Margie often says, "Save the beers for afterwards!"
Beers have caused my rig to end up at the stealership after I screwed something up! Sorry to say but I've lost my passion for wrenching at 45. Im a good coach though! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />