Torn CV Boot...Should I replace the whole axle? Options

[Coomer]

My driver's side CV boot is torn I think. Some pics are below.





Is this a torn CV boot? If so, should I just replace that, or should I replace the whole axle? I absolutely hate pulling axles out and had issues with my axle not sealing at the tranny for a good three months last time my axle was pulled on the driver side.

So what do you guys think?

Attached image(s)

 

[macavely]

ok if you don't want to change it do this.. go to home depot or any harware store.. and get some hi heat rubber and some metal zip ties and just cover up the boot so the great doesnt' come out .

[LewFX]

if it starts making noises when you turn then its a bad axle.

[mark_426]

You'll probably have to take the axle out to put the new boot on anyway.

However, it doesnt look like you lost much grease. Mine were almost all empty and washed out and dirty.

If I was you, I'd try to just replace the boot. Like 12 bucks, make sure you repack the grease correctly as well.

I just replaced mine.. however, the replacement ended up like this a week later:

[WannabeGT4]

If you're pulling the axle just to replace the boot you might as well replace the whole axle. You DO NOT wand to do it twice. Do you know how long that axle has been in there? If it's original I'd just replace the bitch and be done with it.

[lagos]

is it making any noise? if its still nice and quiet, you can just replace the boot. they sell them at any car parts store. the most youll have to take out, it the axel out of the wheel hub, but you shouldnt have to take it out from the tranny to do the boot. the boost kit will also come with new grease and everything u need to do the job.

the hardest part about replacing axels is getting a good rebuid from the car parts store. so unless yours is making noise, just repair it.

This post has been edited by lagos: Jul 21, 2005 - 4:08 PM

[jgreening]

is it making any noise? if its still nice and quiet, you can just replace the boot. they sell them at any car parts store. the most youll have to take out, it the axel out of the wheel hub, but you shouldnt have to take it out from the tranny to do the boot.  the boost kit will also come with new grease and everything u need to do the job.

the hardest part about replacing axels is getting a good rebuid from the car parts store. so unless yours is making noise, just repair it.
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I agree with this. I replaced a boot in my last car and it was not too difficult and a lot less expensive than a new axel.

[Rjb23]

ok if you don't want to change it do this.. go to home depot or any harware store.. and get some hi heat rubber and some metal zip ties and just cover up the boot so the great doesnt' come out .
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Thats a bad idea, your axle will be bad in no time at all.

You will have to pull the whole axle to replace the boot, there is a lock ring that holds the end of the axle on, and you have to put it in a vice, and knock the end off with a hammer and punch. I've done this to both sides of my car.

As to replace just the boot or the axle its up to you, if the axle is not poping when you turn or accelerate or brake, its like $100 for a new axle or $12 to $30 for a new boot depending where you get it at. It took me about an hour or so to take the axel off pop the end clean it out and put the new boot back on and put it back in.

Personally I would just change the boot if the axle is good, because like someone said you don't always get a good rebuilt axle.

[Galcobar]

As someone who's replaced both CV boots without touching the axles (several years ago, and several years apart) a quick inspection will tell you if the axle is bad.

Unless grit has worked its way in, you should be fine. Judging by the way it's leaking grease, you caught it early and won't have any issues.

[lagos]

coomer...i just noticed that one of your suspension bolts came loose! make sure u dont drive the car around like that.

[Coomer]

coomer...i just noticed that one of your suspension bolts came loose! make sure u dont drive the car around like that.
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That's the Ingall's camber bolt.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

I went ahead and ordered a rebuilt axle from this local place that has a very good reputation. It will cost $70 with the core discount and will be here tomorrow. I'm currently stuck on pulling the axle out of the tranny...I can't really find a way to get good leverage, but I think with two people we can somehow get it off. So when my dad gets home he's going to help me. I'm just hoping we don't damage the seal, because the AT200 C52 seals do not fit the AE101 C52 tranny.

[TRD6GC]

coomer...i just noticed that one of your suspension bolts came loose! make sure u dont drive the car around like that.
[right][snapback]315218[/snapback][/right]

That's the Ingall's camber bolt.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

I went ahead and ordered a rebuilt axle from this local place that has a very good reputation. It will cost $70 with the core discount and will be here tomorrow. I'm currently stuck on pulling the axle out of the tranny...I can't really find a way to get good leverage, but I think with two people we can somehow get it off. So when my dad gets home he's going to help me. I'm just hoping we don't damage the seal, because the AT200 C52 seals do not fit the AE101 C52 tranny.
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Coomer, i dont think your camber bolt is suppose to stick out like that. I bought the ingalls ones and they stuck out like that, but they were wrong and i had to send them back. It is suppose to be all the way in, the actualy cam is not suppose to stick out (you shouldnt be able to see the cam when you look at it). OR, maybe yours are different or something.

And good idea to replace the axle. Usually a ripped boot allows dirt to get in and can damage it. This doesnt happen all the time, but better safe then sorry. And there's usually like metal rivets, or grooves or whatever you wanna call them to use to punch the axle in and out with a chizel or whichever tool works or you have. At least this is how it was in the 3 or 4 cars i have worked on, including my Celica. Either way, good luck and hopefully everythign turns out well.

[celi_gt_racer]

What about half-shafts?.. both cv boots on my car are ripped also.. and i've heard to get a new rebuilt axle.. or get new halfshafts (how much are half-shafts?) and would it be more costly to do axle or halfshafts. Can someone give me the ups and downs to both the options?

[Coomer]

Isn't a halfshaft the same thing as an axle?

[presure2]

Isn't a halfshaft the same thing as an axle?
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yup

[DG_Performance]

how come you dont have any dual piston calipers on in them pics?

dg

[Coomer]

how come you dont have any dual piston calipers on in them pics?

dg
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Because I've had constant troubles with the rear caliper install and am just now getting it together...I'm hopefully slapping on the dual-piston calipers tonight.

[DmVinny]

Have the axles rebuilt... Mine are being rebuilt as we speak after they are done my engine gets plopped in.

It's costing me $120 for both axles to be rebuilt and installed.

[Supersprynt]

To get the axle out you need a forke and pry it out. If you pull it out you might pull the cv apart