I'm having my clutch replaced at the moment. While under the car, they told me that my outer CV was ripped and that I had major grease loss. I don't really have the money to get this fixed, so should I worry about this part? What could happen if it stops operating properly?

 

It doesn't really matter what could happen, what matters is that something will eventually happen. I went for almost a year with a torn boot cause I was unable to afford it, and now I've got all sorts o problems even after I replaced it. Just get it done while it's on the lift. A new axle is only about $100. Labor by itself could be about $50, even though it takes 15 mins to swap when the car is up on a lift.

 

What kind of problems could result from this? Is it tranny-related or more like abnormal tire wear and such?

 

if you just want to replace the boot and repack the grease etc.... i can help you out with a boot and the grease... pm me if u want it.

 

What if the joint is worn and caked with road salt and sand? Is it worth the time to repack, or just replace the axle?

 

Better go with a new axle. It's less time and less work than regreasing the present one plus if you have major greeze loss, or lets say the boot was ripped for a few days, that is enough for dirt to get in and do its job. You can get a rebuilt axle from Autozone with lifetime warranty for about $55 when you return your old one. You can also replace it yourself, it's easy if you have the tools.

 

Do I need to change the gear oil if I change the entire shaft? I heard that there's one tough bolt you have to remove, do I absolutely need air tools?

 

Make sure you have a breaker bar!

 

If the CV is not snapping and cracking I would just buy a boot ($10-$15) and replace it yourself. Clean the joint out really well with paint thinner or similar, dry and repack with grease that is supplied with the boot. I did one years ago and the CV is still fine. As well I just did another one and it's working perfectly. It's Really Easy!!

 

If the boot was open for some time it's too late, you WILL have damage to the axle that gonna deteriorate little by little.

You will need to add gear oil when you gonna replace the axle because some gonna spill out when you take axle out of transmission, about 2-3 quarts.

Braker bar should brake that axle nut, however if it is pretty rusted, you can spend half a day trying to brake it, so in this case an air tool is necessary.