I have a Chilton's manual that talks about how to do this, but I have some questions. Do you totally have to remove the entire shaft from under the car to take off the CV boot, or not? the pictures and instructions in that section primarily say they are talking about CV joint replacement and not just boot replacement. Thanks!

 

I'm assuming that you're outer boot is torn. By the time you would've taken off the steering knuckle and other things, you're just a pry bar away from pulling out the whole axle. You might as well just change out the axle. Chances are more than likely that your CV joint might be damaged anyway depending on how long u've been driving like that.

Here's a website to give you a little more information on how to change out your axle or at least remove it to change out your CV boot.

http://www.fourthgenhatch.com/axle.html

 

Thanks for the tip man....

 

Less time consuming to replace the entire half shaft if the CV Joint is bad, if it is just the boot - you still have to take it completely apart to replace the outer boot.

 

How long of a job?

 

If you have the right tools - i.e. snap ring pliers - CV Joint boot clamp pliers - and some parts cleaner

probably two hours to R&R your CV boots