My cv boots are ripped and I would like to know if their is any way for me (or a mechanic) to check if the axles need to be replaced. That is, is there a chance that I'll just need to replace the boots or should I just plan on replacing the axles? Also, what happens if I wait and something breaks...do I die? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

How bad are they ripped, are they spitting any grease out, when did you notice and how long you have been driving around like this? Most likely dirt is already there. Do you get any clicking sounds when turning the wheel whily standing still and driving, or metal rubbing against metal? If you answer yes to any of these questions you need to change the axles. You could take a chance and change the boots, but firstly, it might be too late and you would have too do it all over again, secondly, it's a little less of a hasle to change the shaft itself then the boots.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks a bunch for the reply. Looks like I'll just count on replacing the axles. What happens if they break before getting them fixed? Will it break anything else or be very dangerous? Thanks again.

 

They won't brake for a while. If your boots are ripped then you already have dirt and water in there. Go to autozone and get some axles, $60 a piece after you return your originals...

 

As mentioned above, the big question is, do the axles click when you are driving and turning a corner. If yes, they they are bad. If no, then replace the boots (about $12/side) and regrease (comes with the kit). It's worth it to try.

By the way, I just did mine yesterday and found out that it's a snap to change them WITHOUT removing the axles from the car. The inner boots very seldom crack. There is less strain on them.

1. Jack up the car and put it on stands.

2.remove the calipers and wire them up to the springs up above.

3. Remove the large bolt that holds the axle to the hub.

4. Remove the 2 bolts that hold the hub to the strut (large bolts).

5. you can now remove the end of the axle from the hub (put the nut on it most of the way and tap on it, it should move.).

6. Remove the clamps on the boot and slide the boot back.

7. Wipe away some of the grease and using a hammer (while holding the axle) and hit on the end of the joint (with the joint bent away). You'll see a somewhat star shaped center that is connected directly to the axle. Hit on this. After a few good whacks, it should fall off.

8. Take the joint to the workbench, clean it up and re-install.

Repeat for the other side.

Mike

 

If there is clicking it's the wheel bearing most likely not the axle...

 

By the way, the reason that I did it this way (reference previous post) was that I had one heck of a time getting the right side axle out, the bearing wouldn't separate.

Mike

 

Is that really necessary to remove brake calipers? (while changing the axle, not the boots)

 

yes, but you can remove the caliper mounts, (2 bigger bolts) and leave the calipers bolted to these mounts, and remove the mounts with the calipers on them as a whole.