Specs:
100K, 1997 GXE, Automatic

Symptoms:

Looks like axle grease on the axle boot? The rubber boot that covers the joint from the axle to the front wheels are covered in that grease. What else can i tell you, ummm, the one boot is actually ripped open on the left front wheel, the right front is still enclosed. Both are covered with that grease.

Experts help me out. Is this a DYI fix? How much are prices? IS this common for the miles of the car?

 

I'm not too sure but I think you might be talking about the CV boot (I'm having the same problem right now). From what I'm reading if it's ripped you're going to have to replace the CV shaft. Check out motorvate.ca under drivetrain. Also Raxles.com for parts. Of course you could be talking about some other boot completely in which case I just wasted both our time.

 

Its a shame you gotta replace the whole dang axle just for a tear in the dang boot but im in the same boat.

What do these axle run?
I wonder if employee discount at Nissan is less than these other places.

 

Yes, i believe this is what i'm talking about. by the looks of things, that is exactly what you have to do (Replace the whole entire thing). The way its designed does not enable you to replace just the boot, but yes the entire shaft. Thanks for the help.

If anyone else has other ideas, please don't hesitate to chime in. Thanks

Brandon

 

I got both CV axles rebuilt and labor for all 250.....The labor was 100 and the axle rebuild was 75 per side.....I thought this was a pretty good deal cuz all the other shops I called around my hood was running for 300+ dollars and that isn't including tax.....Just to get u a vague idea, if they charge u for more than 300 for everything, try to look around or negotiate to get it cheaper.

 

CV joint boots are replaceable. I've done the outers on both axles. If the tear has been in the boot so long that water and dirt have gotten into the CV joint, then it is better to just replace the axles. Rebuilt axles can be gotten at Autozone or Pepboys for around $80 per with exchange, but they don't last all that long (from what I hear) and it's better to spend some money and get some good ones from raxles.com

 

Nissan has a kit for replacing the boots. You also need a special tool that puts the band on the ends. The kit is relatively cheap too. Like 25 bucks/side.

As Stephen said, if you catch it before the joint get contamination in it, you can just replace the boot. An inspection of your boots at every oil change on older, high mileage cars is a good idea. Once you see small cracks forming, replace the boot before it rips open. You'll save yourself quite a few bucks!

 

Thanks for the help, i'll follow up with prices and some pics. I'm pretty sure that this boot has been ripped open for awhile.