Ok…spare me the sarcasm, I’m not very good when it comes to suspension parts. Could somebody tell me what part this is and how dangerous it is that it’s completely cracked all the way around and not attached in a single spot? I really appreciate it.
Also, how hard of a part is this to replace? DIY? Mechanic? How much should I expect to pay for the part? For labor?
Sorry I’m so full of questions…
thanks!
It is called the CV joint boot. Its function is to protect the CV joint from dirt and moisture, either of which can destroy the joint quickly. You have a choice. You can replace only the boot or you can replace the complete axled assembly. Either way, there you need to take the axle out, which depending on your skills and tools can be easy or tough. You will get different opinions but personally, I would replace the whole axle. That way you don’t have to worry about disassembly of the CV joint which can be tricky. The axle can be bought as a complete assembly. I think I saw previous posts on this. Check “CV joints” or “axle” in the search.
As a wannabe DIY mechanic, I would say go for it - only if you have a second mode of transportation and enough money to have it towed if you fvck it up. I haven’t had to do that yet but I had to use a flathead screwdriver in place of the bolt that holds the rear shock to the lower control arm because I couldn’t line the holes up enough to put a bolt through it. Not to mention I had already twisted the head of a different bolt. Anyway, good luck. The CV boot is about $150 to have fixed by the dealer. That’s what mine was anyway.
Ben
Originally posted by OldGuy
It is called the CV joint boot. Its function is to protect the CV joint from dirt and moisture, either of which can destroy the joint quickly. You have a choice. You can replace only the boot or you can replace the complete axled assembly. Either way, there you need to take the axle out, which depending on your skills and tools can be easy or tough. You will get different opinions but personally, I would replace the whole axle. That way you don’t have to worry about disassembly of the CV joint which can be tricky. The axle can be bought as a complete assembly. I think I saw previous posts on this. Check “CV joints” or “axle” in the search.
Thank you…
Ok…next round of questions.
How much would a new joint cost? How about a new axle? Is it the whole axle, or just the driver’s side?
And the main question is…How much should I expect to pay for parts, assuming I can get the labor done for a favor?
new joint…not that much money…how much in labor?! Priceless…
Check the other posts for prices. I am in Canada so everything is more expensive here. I think I recall that you can get a Pep Boys reconditioned axle for under $100. The boots are about $25. Keep in mind that when you replace only the boot you still have an old axle, which if it has a lot of miles on it could break anyway. For the difference in price, go for the axle. There is less labour too. It takes less time to take the old axle and just pop in the new one than it does to dis-assemble the joint.
If the boot is totally separated,BIG PROBLEM.Check to see if there is any grease left in the joint.I would personally replace the whole shaft.It is not worth the risk.Once the grease is gone or moisture/dirt gets in there for any length of time then that cv joint is going to fail.
I would just replace the CV boot, cheap, parts-wise. If your axle isn’t broke, no need to replace it I say. The boot is easy to do, just a little messy, but that is all part of doing it yourself. If you have any mechanic friends, I’m sure they can help ya out. You can even try going to the auto store when you buy the part and ask how to replace it.
i’m pretty sure the axels for our cars are pretty cheap…i think you can pick just the axle up for 30-40 dollars…oh yea i think you should do it yourselff…you’ll save money and learn somthing…good luck man.
later,
dan