On inspecting the condition of the CV joint boots on the right side (92 Accord DX), I see the rubber has some cracking but it's not all the way through (yet) anywhere. The left side half shaft was changed out about a year ago so boots are still fine on that side. So I was wondering about the idea of changing just the boots on the right side, before they crack all the way through and the grease inside gets contaminated. Some say just replace the whole half shaft but I wonder why do that (spend that much more for a new halfshaft) if it's apparently only the boots that changing at this point. Any comments appreciated.

 

As a mechanic I can tell you for a certainty that it is much easier and cost effective to replace the entire axle assembly.
The cleaning process alone is soo messy and if you do not know how to disassemble the joint, you just get mad trying. The reboot kits come with new greas and spiral clamps. These clamps need a special tool to constrict and bind properly. They must be very tight or you will sling grease everywhere. Replace the whole thing, that's hard enough on these cars because of the springs lower mount; a large prybar will help pull the control are down to allign the bolt.
good luck

 

Okay. I also came across this video (Eric the car guy, on Youtube) who describes the process, but also mentions that he "doesn't do this anymore", but used to.
I was thinking, for one thing; since I don't have the special tool required for the clamp that would be a cost issue right there issue, I'd have to buy that and those are probably not cheap (like me). Seems kind of a shame to have to get a whole new halfshaft just because the boots are deteriorating, but I guess that's just what's typically done since it saves the potential hassle/mess/frustration of dealing with it otherwise with the reboot kit.
Or, as I think Eric mentions in the video, if I'm understanding him correctly, there's always the option of just leaving the CV joint/axle on there until it starts clicking, then replace it.

 

it's not bad reasoning, not replacing something until it's actually worn out and showing preliminary signs of failure (clicking). however, personally i hate having to clean that slung grease off of everything after driving with split boots for hundreds or thousands of miles.

i did replace boots on a civic i had a few years back. they looked similar to the cracked but not split boot you have pictured. I had disassembled axles before so i knew what i was getting into and i had a friend who owned a small independant shop so i was able to use his banding tool. they had at least 50k miles on them when i did the boots (bought the car with these axles on and went 50k) and i put another 100k miles on them before they made any noise. so i would call that cost effective if you don't have to buy the tool and you can do it quickly enough where the value of your time isn't much of a factor.

though, now i just replace axles. it's much easier and quicker.

 

I have done the reboot job a few times, but this was back in the late 90s when a 'rebuilt' axle was still in the ~200+ range. Stupid money, when a reboot kit and 60mins of your time would get you back on the road for ~$20.

The problem is, if the boots are that far worn, the axle is probably well worn as it is. Rebooting was great for when doing other work and you accidentally damaged the CV boot. But on an otherwise old axle, meh.

Since one axle was already replaced it would be best to just replace the other at the same time. It's what I do. Call up RockAuto 45 bucks + shipping you have a new Cardone axle at your door.

If you want to do it just to do it, by all means. But that CV grease is tacky stuff, and will go everywhere except where you want it.

On my '95 I rebooted one of the axles as its boots were looking like yours, and I didn't want to deal with a mess if it let go. The boot actually ended up failing, the opposite axle broke, and then the rebooted axle started to click.
HAH! Taught me not to be cheap. Ended up with two Cardones from RA to my door in a few days, 30mins later both axles were installed and the local scrapper made a few bucks.

 

I think I would hate that too.

Well I'd have to buy the dang banding tool, no access to one otherwise. Also, I'm certain I couldn't expect to to the job "quickly", especially since it'd be my first time trying. In fact I'd be spending considerable time dealing with it, no doubt. Two cons right there against the rebooting option.

Not sure what is considered old, but this axle has 215,000 miles on it.

Don't particularly "want" to do it, I can say that for certain, despite the fun.

That's the route I'll go then, thanks.

Actually, my location (SE Alaska) it'd be 45 bucks, plus another 30 bucks shipping from RockAuto.