The inner boot on one axle looks like it has seen better days BUT it is not busted. It is clearly in worse shape than the other 3 boots. It is cracked but all the grease is still in there.

Should i bother to get it fixed (i don't have the tools to install a new boot) by putting on new rubber or just wait till it splits open?

I don't imagine replacing the axle as real big deal but I'd like yall's opinion on what is the smarter approach to this situation.

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Jennifer
90 350sdl

Well, if its still got all the grease, and isnt clicking yet, then you'll probably be fine for a while. It will fail eventually.

Mine made noise for a long time before I had it replaced. Started showing up on long trips, then eventually made such unbelievably loud cracking sounds right out of the driveway. I'd replace it before it gets to that point...

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If its still sealed, get the boots replaced.

If they are the factory units and are still good, with a boot replacement they could still out last aftermarket rebuilt units.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

ditto, and in addition,, I had a ricer w/ a clicking CV that went cross country and then some. I am sure a factory CV will outperform. Could save alot of cash and hassle by changing the boots early

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babymog was parting a 350SDL a couple of months ago. Maybe he has a good axle for you.

126 (late) Parts

Sixto
87 300D

OK. So is this the tool to use to replace the boot? How in the world does it work?

http://www.handsontools.com/Astro%207831%20CV%20Boot%20Installer%20Kit_p_680-12798.html?thissku=12798&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shopping&utm_term=Select&utm_content=Select&utm_campaign=broi&site=google_base

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Jennifer
90 350sdl

Marz, we might have to revisit a "how to" to the boot replacement on this thread..... seriously

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the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth...
2007 Honda Accord EX
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It is possible to replace a boot with the axle still in place.

I needed to do this on my '71 Audi 100, and afterwards put over 20000 miles on the boot.

This was before they started selling kits with a prepared boot and special glue [at least for common sizes]

I started with a replacement boot, then slit the boot so it would fit around the axle. [used a new XActo blade that I had cleaned to remove any surface oil]

Then I removed the old boot and its clamps.

I re-glued the edges of the boot around the axle [with crazy glue] clamping the narrow [axle] end with channel locks to keep the glued joint in compression for a few minutes.

Then I slid the boot up the axle, and secured it with new clamps. I checked it periodically for the next year and it didn't fail. [the we replaced the Audi with a Fiat 131 wagon]

that is pretty daring.

you said you split the boot in half to get it over the axle?

the conventional method is to remove the axle.

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If it was me and the boot is only cracked and not leaking, I would only do watchful waiting, unless you are contemplating a long trip. All of mine have been cracked for 5 or more years and only one has popped open. Even if/when they do pop, if you notice it right away you can still reboot. It's not a safety issue until way past the point when it makes noise (when dry).

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Although I haven't tried it yet, it appears all you need is a long funnel and soap water or motor oil... Check out this video previously posted.

http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?swf=http%3A//s.ytimg.com/yt/swf/cps-vfl62057.swf&video_id=F17tFS6ofzU&rel=1&showsearch=1&eurl=http%3A//www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php%3Ft%3D205346%26highlight%3Dcv%2Bboot&iurl=http%3A//i3.ytimg.com/vi/F17tFS6ofzU/hqdefault.jpg&sk=2mPgRGdlBnuiGih95I75TaHTtQ_AQo_oC&use_get_video_info=1&load_modules=1&hqt=1

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

I remember this now. Slick as sn^t on a door knob!!! Might be a good winter project for my 84D.

If I can refurbish the orig axles, I'll have spare axles that I got from Advance.

Now - where to get good boots!!!

btw, i would vote for soap instead of oil. Oil can hasten the degradation of the rubber.

__________________
the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth...
2007 Honda Accord EX
2007 Honda Accord SE V6
96 C220
97 Explorer - Found Another Home
2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home
85 300D - Found Another Home
84 300D - Found Another Home
80 300TD - Found Another Home
Previous cars:
96 Caravan
87 Camry
84 Cressida
82 Vanagon
80 Fiesta
78 Nova
Ford Cortina
Opel Kadet
68 Kombi
Contessa

Dorman Universal CV boots from Autzone, et al.

They come with axle grease, but I would rather use the original oil... not sure type and where to get that stuff.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

In one of the many previous axle threads here, someone suggested carefully cleaning the outside of the existing cracked boot, then smearing "tool dip" or some similar liquid rubber all over, so as to fill the cracks. I have no idea whether this would work but it might be worth trying.

The other thing to remember is that you may not notice right away that the boot has cracked, when it does. Once it is damaged enough to allow dirt into the CV joint, you're in for a rebuild, so it might be better to just replace the boot and be done with it.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

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