How difficult is it to replace the CV Boot?

I have a 97 GXE, 120k miles. I took the car to Sears Auto because it was squeaking for the passenger front. Not making any noise during braking, but as soon as i took my foot off the brake...it would.

Nontheless, they said that i needed new calipers and the pad was getting low (.96). They also said that the CV Boot was torn. The estimate I got was $145 to do the brake pads, $155 for the calipers, and $225 for the CV Boot.

I've changed the pads before, so i think i'll just skip that. Calipers, maybe. but to replace the CV Boot, i think that that's pretty expensive. The guy at Sears said that it's mostly labor because it's very difficult to do.

Is $225 worth the time that it will take me to do it myself? I have limited knowledge. I've changed oil and brake pads and the starter. But that's pretty much it.

Also, do you think the squelching sound is because of the pads getting low? I've had a similar problem before and guard around the rotor was scraping it. I just bent it back away with a pair of pliers. I checked for that again, but that doesn't seem to be the problem this time around.

Thanks!

 

Check out www.motorvate.ca and www.1autozone.com for DIY instructions.

Get a second opinion. You can have the axle changed instead of just replacing the CV boot: nearly the same cost (at least out here in the Bay area) and easier for shops to do.

PM me for specifics (I just did this job--pretty much the same thing you are talking about).

 

The instructions on motorvate are great, but you have to be cautious. The instructions are for the left side of the car, and there is a difference between that side and the right side. I found this out halfway through. On the right side there are three bolts that you have to remove in order to get the axle out. On my 95 maxima, I couldn't get it out even after removing those bolts (I think it was too rusted together). I eventually had to bring it to a shop anyway

 

it is A LOT cheaper to just change the whole axel oout..u can get a remanufactured one from autozone for around $160, but have a $70 core charge(u bring back the original axel and they give u $70), U also get a lifetime guarantee. To have the cv boot changed takes a lot more time and regreasing everything. Also, a shop wil charge like $220 for the repair.

So, just change the axel out yourself. Also, before u post a thread about it, jack the front end of ur car up, have it in gear and have it off. Spin the tires with ur hands..if they spin in opposite directions u do NOT have LSD

 

thanks for the help guys. i think i'm just going to replace the axle. it's only about $80 compared to $50 for the cv boot.

and ideas as to what the squeaking noise could be? related to the CV Boot? or brakes? the Sears guy didn't really give me any insight as to what could be causing that.

 

+1 to that. It took six hours for me to pry that f*cker apart.

 

Oh jesus if I were any of you guys I would've hung myself and sold my car a long time ago.

Replace the entire axle... why? because once dirt gets in there and starts floating around the grease, its only a matter of time before it starts to affect the bearings. It going to cost as much and probably going to be less work.

 

$90 after core!!! Napa carries rebuilds for $70 per axel.

 

Pardon my ignorance. When buying the whole axle, its called a CV Halfshaft, right?
Thanks.