Suspension gurus. What to make of this boot?

[maxsideburn]

I noticed today while I was changing my oil that the boot seems to be ripped pretty badly and seems to be leaking. Do you think I need a whole new halfshaft? or just another boot?

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/803/10054941dp.th.jpg (http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10054941dp.jpg)
[click me to enlarge]

http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/5833/10054954ut.th.jpg (http://img448.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10054954ut.jpg)
[click me to enlarge]

['89AccordLX(Rus)]

The boots are replaceable, however this procedure requires the removal of the driveshaft, unless you use a split-style boot. The split boot repairs don't last very long. I think its best to simply replace the shaft because you have no way of knowing if there is significant damage to the joint. If the joint is exposed to the elements for even a short time, it can deteriorate very quickly. Hope this helps.

['A20A3']

New axle time! :)

[ghettogeddy]

there cheap i think i had mine done for like 100 bucks when i had my clutch done witch took pepboys 3 days to do

[Hash_man_Se_i]

I would say just buy a new axle... you'll be much better off in the long run.

[MessyHonda]

yeah my left boot was riped and it mest up the joint...it would click when i would turn right...i just got new axels they were like 43 bucks each at Napa auto parts(but that was with employee discount since i knoe the guy)...Napa auto parts are werid they charged me 80 bucks each for core...more than the new part it self.... then after i got them replaced i went back and i got my 160 bucks back

[EricW]

I would say just buy a new axle... you'll be much better off in the long run.


Thats the best bet, and their not that hard to replace.

[Vanilla Sky]

not only does replacing the boot require the removal of the axle, it requires a rebuild of the inner joint as well. it's usually cheaper to swap axles.

[2drSE-i]

yeah my left boot was riped and it mest up the joint...it would click when i would turn right...i just got new axels they were like 43 bucks each at Napa auto parts(but that was with employee discount since i knoe the guy)...Napa auto parts are werid they charged me 80 bucks each for core...more than the new part it self.... then after i got them replaced i went back and i got my 160 bucks back

they just want the cores back.

[thegreatdane]

not only does replacing the boot require the removal of the axle, it requires a rebuild of the inner joint as well. it's usually cheaper to swap axles.

You can replace the boot without doing any of that and very fast. You just need the tools. If the joint did not yet suffer any damage (clicking / axle play in the joint) from the broken boot (no grease to lube the joint) then you can do with just replacing the boot.

You can get new boots that you slip on the joint using a cone that you put over the cv joint. Very easy and quick job.

[HondaBoy]

yeah, definately cheaper in the long run to just replace the whole cv axle. i just did mine a few hours ago. mine had been replaced 4 years back and had to be done again. anyway, with the parts you'd use to rebuild the cv joint, you'd just be better off getting the whole thing replaced because you would need larger bearings or balls whatever and then the cage may have some damage. its not that hard replace the cv axle, but i dont know if you have access to a shop or have tools at home. also have a look at your ball joints and tie rod ends. those like to go out also and are fairly easy to replace while your doing an axle.