CV Boots

[JMan300sd]

I am looking to buy all kinds of stuff for my rear suspension and have noticed my CV boots are old and cracking. Plus I see some thick greasy stuff on the left rear axle (on the joint with the diff.) and on the trailing arm (i think that this fluid might be from the shock). Regardless, I want to change the boots. Is it a difficult operation...I did a search but couldnt find a detailed procedure. Also, how is the CV boot kit from fastlane and is worth the extra money over just the boot itslef? Thanks guys.

[Jmana]

I don't think a boot replacement is a novice type deal. I took my 300SD to see how much it would cost to have someone do it, and it was $100 per side, and I had to take the axles out and put them back. Right now I'm tying to find replacement axles, but not having much luck. If anyone knows where to get them, preferably cheap, let me know. Until then I am going to smear some RTV sealant over them to try and buy some more time on the originals.

[ykobayashi]

Hi,

I had a cracked boot and slipped an EZ boot over the end of the joint with one of those air tools that stretches the thing over 300% its diameter.

The joint eventually started getting clunky because it had been contaminated. Make sure there is no dirt in there or you'll be taking those boots off again. In my case I had a gaping hole the size of a quarter on my boot and I had been driving a couple of months.

Finally, I went over to Kragen/Schucks/Checkers and found out they could special order me some rebuilts for $180/side. If you look at the DIY pages it looks like a real pain to separate the axels by yourself so it seemed easier to buy these rebuilts and get on with life. They have about 30k on them now.

If you're cheap you can fetch some used ones but they'll have a short life expentency on the boots.

Cheers,
Yoko

[Brian Carlton]

These guys will do the boots for you properly. If your axles are in good shape and the boots have not failed, definitely consider it.

http://www.cvjreman.com/

Have not used them personally yet, but, the SDL is getting close to needing boots.

[Stevo]

Just because the boots are cracked doesnt mean they are about ready to fail, they will last a long time and cracks are normal. Dont fix it if it aint broke

[t walgamuth]

often the cracks are superficial and will give good service for many more years. if they are spilling the lube out though dont fool areound get them renewed or your cv will be gone soon!

tom w

[JMan300sd]

hmmm. I only saw some grease build oh the left inner side of the axle (on the cuff between the boot and the diff.) where there wasnt any on the other side. I couldnt see any real holes in the boot istelf, just some slight cracking. Could this build up be from something else you think?

[Stevo]

JMan300sd

most of the time these axles last the life of the car and the rebuilts don't have a great reputation for longevity. I try to keep an eye on the boots which usually last a long time even with cracks . Watch for leaks from the fuel return & vent lines as they drip on the driver side boot. I would clean it off and see if more (grease?) returns then maybe you could figure out what it is and where its coming from.