i just noticed that my front left cv boot is cracked and im not sure when it got like that and how. i was wondering if its ok to drive like that cuz i wont be able to take my car in for the shop for another week or 2

 

As far as I know you can drive it around because they'll need to replace you're entire CV Boot/Axel. Its not going to sound good when you turn though because you're losing lubricant from the crack or at least you should be.

 

Unless you get dirt in the axle and the bearings grind down or you actually lose a bearing then you don't have to change the axle. My right front recently went out and it was half the price to change just the boot. A replacement boot is only $10-$20 but since it's the same process to change the whole axle you pay the same in labor. The shop I went to did a excellent job. They checked and cleaned out the bearings before they repacked the grease and replaced the boot and it's as good as new.

Do not drive on it if you don't have to, because you will be leaking grease all over your rims, brakes, calipers, and wheel well. Not a good thing. Good Luck.


Modified by DragonBoy at 9:55 AM 6/4/2003

 

BTW, the mechanic told me that it's very common on lowered cars since there is more stress on the cv boot due to the stiffer suspension so it might be a good thing to check for when you clean your rims or during regular maintenance.

 

by the way, does anyone know what a shop should charge to replace cv boots?

 

I would just replace the whole CV axle. Sure it costs a little more but saves you something down the road. Plus most all CV axles come with a lifetime warranty so if you have problems down the road free part.