ok, i have just did a GSR swap... and the CV boot is torn on the right front axle... it hasnt dried out yet, its pretty fresh (still spraying grease all over the engine bay). but what should i do, and how do i do it? i did a search and only found info on people whos joints had already dried out... at this point would i only have to replace the boot and add some more grease? how do i do that? should i take it to a mechanic or try myself... im only somewhat experienced and dont have air tools. please help, i want to get this done before it dries out since its my daily driver.

 

If you have the correct tools you could replace the boot yourself. Pull the axle out, cut the clips clean out all the crap, pull the end off (need snap ring tool) put a new boot on, re-assemble it, grease it up and put on new cv clips (needs a special tool for that too). Or just get a reman axle with a lifetime warrantee.

-Michael

 

First off get a Haynes manual for your car. That way you'll have printed out instructions on how to do it and most other repairs too. Since the joint is already exposed you probably should replace the whole axle but you can just do the boot... if you hear any knocking, clicking, whatever sounds coming from the area then u must replace the axle. new axles will run you 120$ for rebuilt ones after returning your old ones. You'll need a breaker bar, sockets, and something to pry out the axle (big flathead or sumthin) if your going to replace the whole thing. it wont take more than a couple of hours if you dont run into problems, but problems almost always arise, dont try this if you have to use the car the next day. Oh, and by new oil seals for the tranny.

 

Drive your car in tight circles. If you hear a rough clicking then the axle should be replaced. If not, then replacing just the CV boot should be fine. Make sure the grease isn't corroding the brake pads. If so, those should be replaced also.
CV boot replacement can be done by any competent mechanic. The only special tool you would need is the clip tool which can be bought at your local AutoZone for less then $5. First jack the car up and put it on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Then remove the large hub bolt, ball joint nut, lower control arm-to-strut fork bolt, and upper strut fork bolt. Remove the strut fork and set it to the side somewhere. Then using a ball joint tool, you can remove the hub from the lower control arm. If you don't have a ball joint tool, you can hit it on the side with a ball-pean hammer til it comes loose. Then remove the axle from the hub. At this point the CV boot can be replaced and repacked. Re-install everything and reverse order.
Let me know if you have any questions.

 

yeah.. ive got a haynes manual. i was mostly wondering if it was possible to do without going through removing the entire axle (since i have to drive it everyday)... i went to discount and got a replacement CV boot that is open on one side so you can just put it over the joint then seal it. it should be much easyer, even though it wont be as good of a fix, it will keep it going for now. thanks for all the help guys!

 

yea that will work temp. but will wear out faster than a real cv boot.