i'm not sure what's wrong with my cr-v. it has 115k and i recently had the timing belt/water pump replaced; & tires rotated (separate repairs). i don't think those repairs have anything to do with my front axle issue--just a little back story. the repairs were done last week (by local shop) and i just returned from a 12 hour trip yesterday. no problems on the trip, but when i got home i noticed a 'squeaking' noise when i turn the wheel (both directions) at low speeds (when backing out of my driveway).

today i took the front driver wheel off to further inspect things and noticed a bunch of grease appeared to have shot out of the axle boot. [SEE PHOTOS BELOW]




does this look like i need to replace the entire axle or possibly just the boot? i don't notice any typical 'clicking' with the cv joints. before this issue came up, i was planning on changing some other front suspension parts (ball joints & sway bar end links) as these items are shot. i'm somewhat of a capable diy mechanic but haven't done these particular repairs before. what do you guys think?

 

your best off just replacing the axle. You can buy both a boot and a new axle, then see what you want to do once you have the old one out. If theres no major wear on the inside of the cup or the bearings you can just change the boot.

 

My boot just ripped this week as well, just started shooting grease out. For the simplest fix rockauto has axles for like 50 bucks shipped and you only have to slide them in and boom, done.

 

id defintaly just replace the whole axle instead of just the boot. you can get them at autozone for around 60 and they have lifetime warranty. so when the boot rips again you get free replacement. ive taken them up on that warrany atleast four times. its not too hard to replace them.

 

thanks for the info guys. think i'll order some axles from raxles.com--heard they had good ones.

anyone have a suggestion for a decent & affordable front suspension kit? figure i might as well replace the ball joints etc. while i've got it torn down.

also, i can't seem to find a good tutorial on changing the axle specifically on a cr-v. is this process similar to other honda models?

 

It's exactly the same as any other Honda. If you are going stock height id reccomend all OEM parts. Might cost a bit more but it'll last and you won't be changing it again next year. If you are lowering I reccomend SPC extreme adjustable upper ball joints. If you can't find a listing for them, look under prelude or civic. Same part number.