OK yesterday I started hearing/feeling this binding noise when I would make tight corners in my car....So I jack it up today and find that the right side CV boot is torn.

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/cv1.JPG
http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/cv2.JPG

So I was wondering if I should replace the whole axle, or just replace the $10 boot? Somebody told me that it is far easier to replace the whole axle, then it is to do the boot, but $10 sounds better than $60-75 right now.

Next, it seems like there is always quite a bit of oil on the oil pan and down along the transmission. It doesn't seem like I ever really need to add oil to my car, but is it something I should be concerned about? Is it just a gasket between the oilpan and block?

http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/oilpan1.JPG
http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/oilpan2.JPG
http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/oilpan3.JPG
http://myfilez.net/uploads/images/oilpan4.JPG

Last, after about 98,000 miles, I think its time for a new clutch. Should I just get a stock replacement? Is changing the clutch a major task? I may be able to get some guys local to help with the job.

My car is not a high perf machine. Its bone stock. I bought it because its reliable and gets great gas mileage. I'd like to keep her going as long as I can, so any advice is much appreciated.

 

whoa , that oil pan looks really drippy, i whould check for leaks, and try to tighten stuff.

 

Easier to replace the axle. 65+ aint bad, could be a lot more if you didn't know better...

 

replace both axels at the same time

 

I was afraid someone was going to say that....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by azulito &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Easier to replace the axle. 65+ aint bad, could be a lot more if you didn't know better...</TD></TR></TABLE> <TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B16 ED9 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">replace both axels at the same time </TD></TR></TABLE>

They're easy to replace I just got done doing a axel job for a friend took me 20 minutes to do one side.

 

Since the boot is torn open, there isnt much grease left inside, and its making binding noises, you should definitely replace that axle.
Replacing the axle is much easier and usually cheaper than replacing the outer joint.

Unless your other axle boot is torn or clicking, there is no reason, whatsoever, to replace it. "If it ain't broke, dont fix it."

Its hard to tell, from your pics, where the oil is coming from. I would suggest getting some brake cleaner and cleaning up the oil pan real good. Then drive it for a day or two and then climb back under there and see where the leak is coming from.

If the leak is coming from between your engine and tranny and you never have to add any engine oil, its a possibility that its the tranny that's leaking. I would check your tranny fluid level right away.

 

That CV joint needs to be constantly bathed in the grease that's now all over the inside of you wheel to properly function. If not, it will wear out and start to bind. Once it has started binding, the joint is ready to go and may become dangerous relatively soon.

If I were you, I would definitely get another axle. If you replace the boot and grease alone, your just delaying having to do what you needed to take care of in the first place, and you'll wind up paying $10 + $65.

Good luck!