How long can i get away with torn cv boots and ratcheting axles for?

[GhEtTo 88 HB DX 5spd]

Yes I know that they are nothing to play around with...but i am in a really bad financial bind.

I heard it was for a few years after they begin ratcheting.

I also heard that if you don't get an alignment right after you are done then both boots will rip again shortly.

Please advise...thank you

[BoredRec]

Eventually the axle will fail...but who knows when that'll be...the cheapest way is to take it to a remanufacturer yourself, or find one at a junkyard.

[GhEtTo 88 HB DX 5spd]

ahhh ok

thanks

what about the cv boot tearing automatically after install unless there is an alignment done...is that some sort of urban legend?

[Dutchboy]

ive never heard that before....the boots tear becasue there old and get brittle...not because an alignment.

Ben

[GhEtTo 88 HB DX 5spd]

i agree with you...anyone wanna second that?

[A20A1]

my boot have been torn since 2000... then my engine died... hmm.
but it's only the outer boots by the wheels, the inner boots still looks brand new.

[rocky2]

These tips here are only suggestions based on financialy binded people.
1. Add some kind of grease into joint.
2. some seal may be reqiured after grease is added,plastic bag taped on both ends with masking tape....leave play in bag for cornerning

[Jareds 89 LX-i]

You can get a new split boot at Autozone for around $8 or so, and it comes with new Moly grease. It's very easy to put in. All you would need besides that is a can of brake parts cleaner to clean all the old grease and dirt out of the joint before you put the new stuff in. They don't last forever, but they do work good as a quick fix to get you by and keep dirt out and grease in.

:)

[GhEtTo 88 HB DX 5spd]

you make me happy about owning my car guys! :)

[BoredRec]

Alignment can possible tear boots...I get lowered cars into the shop a lot and their CV boots are all sorts of torn up, but actually that may be due to it be lowered more than the alignment being sucky.

[A20A1]

Mine tear off right at the inner metal ring clamp... the mid section is still held on by the other clamp, but the grease still tends to fly out all over my brake lines.

[njpeter]

compare the cost of a fix against a tow..if the cage breaks it's goning to cause some real damage..the plastic bag trick is good..botts are not that much fun to deal with, but axels run under $60 exhange at most auto parts as long as the cage isn't busted ( that ruins the core).

how to change cv's is posted here somewhere