while working on my 93 maxima i noticed the cv boots are torn. Im not sure how long its been since they broke. I understand the grease leaks and the joints go bad. should i replace the joint and boot? or the whole axle? i don't have any clicking at all yet but from the way the boot looks its been broken awhile. Anyone have a good tutorial with pictures on the job?

 

I would advise replacing the axles, they're cheap enough, especially if they're not very greasy, or the grease is dirty.
The axle replacement is pretty much the same as most fwd drives, with the exception of the passenger-side; it's held onto the carrier by three bolts, which can be fun to get to (I believe I used a 1/4 drive ratchet, with some various extensions to get all three).
So, youtube a few different videos, they'll give you the gist of how to get the axles out correctly.

 

I drove mine around for 2 years with ripped boots before I had to replace the axles. I know they were ripped for awhile before I got the car, too. If money is tight, or you don't feel like messing with it, leave them go until they start clicking...

 

If you're super lazy, you can just get some of those "quick boot" kits that basically fit around your existing boot.

Downside is that it's kind of a jerry-rigged way to do it, and each one of those boots is like $20 IIRC, which for about $20 more you can just get your whole axle rebuilt for that..

 

Buy some remans with a lifetime warranty.

 

ive heard cheap Remanufactured axles cause vibrations......no delusion bro,search it

 

I've had vibration issues with aftermarket axles after only 30,000 miles...

 

This can be true, I've definitely had big time vibration problems in the past with some aftermarket axles. However, others have given me no problems. Really seems to be a crapshoot.

I always try to get my OEM axles rebuilt by a drivetrain shop when possible. However, if you need immediate turn around time that's not really an option. But you can usually get them done next-day which isn't too bad.

 

yea ive had my axels done on my 05 accord by a shop before. they were rebuilt and lasted about 2k miles. i took it back and they replaced them under warranty. ill check out a drivetrain shop though. im in no rush.