How Long can U Drive In a Leaking CV Boot?

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Sep 12, 2006 | 02:28 PM
  #1  
Hi,

I noticed today when walking out of parking lot that there was some buildup of black tary fluid under the wheel well and when I went to look sure enought its the same thing that happend to my other side (Drivers Side CV Boot) I am almost postive this one just happend because there is hardly any were near the amout of fluid compared to wat i have seen on my other one. The question is am i safe to drive it about 10 to 20 miles maybe 50 at tops before I have the shop fix it?
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Sep 12, 2006 | 02:41 PM
  #2  
IIRC they will eventually wear out your differential if you let it go too long.

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

My dads Honda (Accord) when un-repaired for a month before i got around to replacing it.
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Sep 12, 2006 | 04:03 PM
  #3  
I drove with my boot leaking that stuff for a good week or 2 but then I changed it..I drove FAR more than 50 miles that week. As long as your axle isnt already clicking you should be good. BUT dont mark my words, wait til someone backs me up on that just in case lol
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Sep 12, 2006 | 06:56 PM
  #4  
the ? is due you want to have to replace the boot/grease oe the cv joint? I have drivin on a bad boot intill clicking started and then the joint basically broke (takes quite a while). Cv joint boot kit should be quite cheaper then a OE nissan cv joint.
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Sep 12, 2006 | 06:58 PM
  #5  
yea boot is usually 20 bucks or but for like $30 more you can get an axle, check with brian for pricing
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Sep 13, 2006 | 02:43 PM
  #6  
I've driven for months with bad axles.
but that was when they cost 3x the amount they do these days.
nowadays, it's cheaper to replace an axle than a boot(labor time)
Axles can be found at http://www.internetautosupply.com/catalog/
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Sep 14, 2006 | 08:18 PM
  #7  
Quote: How Long can U Drive In a Leaking CV Boot?
until you find where it's leaking from and escape
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Sep 14, 2006 | 11:32 PM
  #8  
If you only want to replace the boot do it soon. you are safe until it starts to create a clicking sound when turning, then you will have to replace the whole CV joint.
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Sep 15, 2006 | 06:09 AM
  #9  
if you drive it for too long the company may not take your core back if you pick up a reman unit.

50 miles you "should" be ok.
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Sep 18, 2006 | 08:18 PM
  #10  
drive on it till it breaks..then replace your fender and ball joint.....
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Sep 18, 2006 | 11:14 PM
  #11  
My driver side is leaking gear oil but I don't have any clicking.. so will that damage my diff? I make sure the tranny is full oil wise all the time
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Sep 19, 2006 | 05:57 AM
  #12  
Quote: My driver side is leaking gear oil but I don't have any clicking.. so will that damage my diff? I make sure the tranny is full oil wise all the time
the grease in the CV joint is a very dark grey color grease and it makes a HUGE mess of everything. if it's leaking gear oil from the axle area then i say you need a new axle seal.
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Sep 20, 2006 | 06:08 AM
  #13  
I got it fixed last week it was 180 for right axle and assembly.
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Sep 20, 2006 | 07:35 AM
  #14  
Quote: I got it fixed last week it was 180 for right axle and assembly.
tell me that that is parts and labor
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Sep 20, 2006 | 12:31 PM
  #15  
Yea please tell me it was, it usually does run about that price so I would hope so. You could've done it yourself for 90 bucks tops and that includes changing the seal and buying new fluid. All you needed was:

garage (optional if you're ghetto)
Jack & stands( optional if you're ghetto)
the new axle
tranny fluid (or reuse old fluid if you're ghetto)
seal (or reuse if you're ghetto)
17mm for ball joints
plybar
12mm wrench or socket with universal joint
flashlight
7 hours
and BAM you're done!
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Sep 20, 2006 | 01:45 PM
  #16  
You CAN drive it till it falls apart, you SHOULD go ahead and fix it ASAP to prevent ( hopefully ) damaging the CV joint itself.
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Sep 20, 2006 | 08:08 PM
  #17  
Quote: You CAN drive it till it falls apart, you SHOULD go ahead and fix it ASAP to prevent ( hopefully ) damaging the CV joint itself.

lol too late there buddy, he got it taken care of for a whopping $180 not bad I guess
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Sep 21, 2006 | 05:02 AM
  #18  
Quote: 7 hours
and BAM you're done!

took about 4 hours to do both axles last time i did it and i think u need a 36mm socket for the axle nut
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Sep 21, 2006 | 05:15 AM
  #19  
Quote: took about 4 hours to do both axles last time i did it and i think u need a 36mm socket for the axle nut

lol woopsie, forgot the most important socket..yea I know I can do each axle in like 45 min-1 hour including pulling old and installing new the thing that gets to me is that DAMN axle seal, but hey the first time will usually take a lil longer if you've never done it or seen it done before.
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