Heard some road noise today so took tires off of my car and noticed my passenger side boot had spewed grease all over well. No noticable clicking when turning wheel just whir noise at higher speeds so far, so think the joint is not worn.

Question, is it cheaper to have a mechanic replace just the boot kit or to just install a new half-axle? I don't know which is less labor intensive for these cars?

Running a 96 LX 5spd.

Thanks

scott

 

Generally, it is cheaper to have a mechanic replace the CV boot than to have the mechanic change the axle. Assuming the axle is still fine.

However, there are alot of mechanics that don't like to repack the grease and replace the boot, as it is faster for many of them to just replace the axle. One mechanic I know can replace an axle in 15 - 30 minutes; but, he'll charge the "book rate" to customers though.

 

I replaced my driveshaft. I didn't want to go through the hassel of repacking. I DIY-ed. It's actually easy if you have tools and 1 special tool which you can rent and a weekend. Save yourself $$$.

 

Assuming you have an air compressor to get that axle nut off. I have a 5 foot Breaker Bar and it broke (2) 1/2" Craftsman Rachets and one 18" 1/2 Craftsman Breaker Bar. They replaced everything no questions asked, but so not worth it.

 

A boot is going to be cheaper. $20 for parts compared to $60+ for an axle. That labor is about the same either way. It's better to keep an eye on them and replace em before they split open.

 

What do you mean by cheaper?

Cheaper now or later?

If you have grease ALL over your wheel then its been cracked for some time and there's dirt and water inside there causing excess wear and tear.

And come on folks, to replace the boots you gotta remove the axle (those stupid wrap around boots are no better than the tear that you're replacing)! If you're paying for it then do it right and get a new/reman axle. If you do it yourself its still not worth the hassle and effort to change only the boots (FYI Honda is the only one that makes boots that fit correctly from what I've seen...and by that time you've spent as much as a new axle).

I don't know any mechanics who will even replace boots. Its not worth their time.

Trust me I've learned the hard way (had to redo a valve job on my first car because I refused to fork out another $50) that its ALWAYS worth it to invest money in new/better parts in the long run than to put a bandaid on it. That applies to excess work as well. When doing the timing belt replace waterpump and seals just because you can etc.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CBL9 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Assuming you have an air compressor to get that axle nut off. I have a 5 foot Breaker Bar and it broke (2) 1/2" Craftsman Rachets and one 18" 1/2 Craftsman Breaker Bar. They replaced everything no questions asked, but so not worth it.</TD></TR></TABLE>


you got really unlucky then.. Mine come off rather easy as long as you clear that indention you make from the last time u put the nut off.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Schmitey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I don't know any mechanics who will even replace boots. Its not worth their time.
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It takes less than 5 minutes more than replacing an axle. (that assuming the lower strut bolt comes out easily)

We have a shop full of guys that replace boots all the time. Saves the customers a bit of money if thats all they need.

 

Hey so had a mechanic replace the whole shaft and not just patch up the boot. He said it didn't cost much more for the whole thing than just the boot repair so I was thinking...30 bucks for the boot kit from honda so a "bit more" would be maybe 40-60 for the refurb shaft. Well, wtf. 120 bucks for a refurb shaft?? He barely charged me an hour labor since I sat there the whole time but seriously...did I just get taken on the part price??

 

No, you didn't get taken for the part. No big price difference. It could have been a little less or a little more, depending on the brand and who his supplier is, and if he marks up the part. I wouldn't even worry about.