I've had 2 torn boots for a long time. However, I don't experience any noises while turning. I haven't observed any obvious problems caused by the tworn boots.

I went around to some shops they charge $80 per axle. $40 labor. One shop just charged $80 per axel, labor included with a lifetime warranty. I asked them if the axles were rebuilt and they were. I'd rather get new axles so I went to a 'reputable' mechanic and they charge $95/axel $110 for the labor ($300 total). Also this mechanic couldn'nt get new axles. The dealer wants $600 dollars. So should I just go to the cheap mechanics and get $80 axels? or are my axels fine allowing just the boots to be replaced.

 

Fixing only the boots seem less expensive for now but it might cost you in the long run.

If you want to have new axles, try to find a mechanic who is willing to install axles you will bring yourself. Get a set of new axles from raxles.com (I think they are located in Gainsville, FL). There is another seller who sells new axles for Maximas at ebay. This ebay seller's price is almost the same as remanufactured one available at local auto store, but I don't have personal experience with this seller.

Raxles.com's ones are not as cheap as remanufactured ones, but a lot cheaper than what a Nissan dealer charges. Not long ago I ended up buying a new one from raxles.com and remanufactured one from a local part store and their difference in quality is obvious, though I'm not suggesting not to buy a remanufactured one.

Should you decide to install axles yourself, buying a transmission/axle oil seal in advance (at least for driver's side) might not be such a bad idea.

 

I'd say to just do the whole axle. Over the summer my boot ripped and I changed the axle. you have to do almost as much work, and the boot itself is cheaper however you need a special tool to tighten it which isnt too cheap. So I found it better to just do the whole axle.

 

doing just the boots is a ton cheaper, they run about 10 bucks each. it is a lot more work though. you can always rent the tool at like autozone.

 

If the boots have been torn for a while, there is sure to be lots of dirt in there and little grease left.
If the axles are not dead yet, you should pull them out, clean the bearings and axles very thorough and regrease everything. Then install you new boots. Dont do it half #ss and just cover the axles with all that dirt in there. You will pay in the long run.

 

I've decided to do the cv boots since the cv axles aren't damaged.
Salgue mentioned $10 CV boots. Where can I get those?
Are you talking about the CV boot kit or just the rubber boot. Dealers want about $40 - $50 dollars for the kit.
I should get the cv boot kit correct? Also the tool that you all described is
that the 6 foot floor jack as described at http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/401
to remove the CV nut?

thanks

 

If they have been ripped for a while, there is a good chance that they will fail consinderably sooner then the rest of the car, but if you are doing the work yourself its not a big deal. Anyway, I just rebooted both sides of my car and heres what I got:

From Autozone:
Clamping Tool (there are different types, check what the kit comes with)
Axle Socket (again gotta find the size, 96 Max was 36mm)
Torque Wrench (putting axle nut back on)
Slide Hammer (makes getting the outer joint off the shaft much easier)

Also pick up extra grease (lithium with Molybendium), the kits I had only had about half the grease I felt was needed.

About the kit, just make sure you find one that is an OEM, not just some generic boot size.

The Haynes manual was also helpful along with this http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/401

Hope that helps.

 

cool.. thanks guys.
I found some an inexpensive outer boot kit at maximumparts.com
and a few other sites. So i'll go for it.

 

if theres greese ccoming out that just means that the boot is riipped right? i have a lot of greese coming out. would that be the but or pos anythign else?

 

i bought a pair of axles from raxles last week and paid almost 300 shipped but i didn't install them yet. i bought it cuz i thought i was hearing the clunking sound from down there but mechanics found out that the axles were not causing that sound. i don't know if i should return it or not. might keep it for the near future.

 

i got my boots from a local auto parts store. that was for the kit. cost me 40 plus tax for all four. only my outer ones were torn but i decided to change them all since i was there anyway. my boots were gone for about a month or so. make sure to clean them very thoroughly. mine are holding up great now. i changed mine when i did my clutch since i was gonna have everything out anyway. took total just over 24 hours. started one morning (then it started raining so i had to take a lot of breaks since it was so cold and i got hungry) and finished the next morning at about the same time. total labor hours i would estimate at about 10-12.

 

Does the cv boot kit supposed come with the retaining clips aka retaining rings that go on the cv shaft? The kits that I've seen only have the two (1 big and 1 small ) clamps for the boot. Like this one:
http://63.89.49.212/parts/online_cat...p&phonenumber=

I read that the old clips must be discarded.
Here its said that this particular kit came with the retaining clips.
http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/401
wonder if im looking at the wrong kits

 

^^^ im in the same boat as him

 

nissan charges more to replace the boots than most other places charge to replace the axle, bearings and boots. at least that is the case where i live. i am in the middle doing this myself

 

ManualMaxima, What kit did you get for your outer boots.
Did they come with the litle retaining clips/rings?

 

Anyone have an answer as to where to get the retaining clips/rings that go onto the cv shaft?