Torn front CV boots, I WILL search, but can someone give me the 411 on replacement?

[OhioSpyderman]

Also, how long can I run with them torn (they must have been torn for a month or more already....I just put on new tires and saw that the insides of my wheels were dirtier than I thought they should be after I just cleaned them in the summer....)

As always, thank in advance :)

Bob.

[green-lantern]

Search noob!



































jk you never know, It depends how much grease came out and how much water and crap that gets in.

[green-lantern]

BTW they are pretty easy to replace the hard part is removing them. I got one at auto zone but it seems last time all they had was universal ones and they suck. When you get it out just cut the rest of the boot off and there is a snap ring in there to need to take off.

[green-lantern]

Sorry one more thing, I would just order one from cherry hill.

[OhioSpyderman]

In the process of searching, sir :)

It appears that replacing the half shaft is easier and better (for the reason you stated)...

Rock Auto has them for ~$55 (with a $25 core charge for the right side and a $100 core charge for the left side (?)).

Next question (which I will also research) is how hard is it to replace the half shafts? (I have a lift available to me for FREE :) )

Bob.

[Alan92RTTT]

I replaced boots once I wil never do it again. My time is worth more that the potential savings.

Replacing the shafts is easy if you have the right tools. I've done the left and right in my garage. I just got the from advanced.

You will have to separate the strut from the A arm. I just separate at the ball joint so I don't have to worry about alignment. SO I always order a balljoint boot.
Make sure you have:
a 166lb tourque wrench
a socket large enough for the castle nut
and maybe some replacment codder pins

[green-lantern]

Witch one is it? The ones on the inside are so freaking easy to replace.

[OhioSpyderman]

Anyone ever try these?

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=1029528&imageurl=http%3A//info.rockauto.com/Spicer/8161037-2.jpg

Bob.

[OhioSpyderman]

Front OUTER :)

[green-lantern]

check out the way this comes apart. I like! :) the only thing that keeps it together is the boot.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/shaft.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/cvwitpin.jpg
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/cv.jpg

ready for a boot.

[OhioSpyderman]

OReilly's has them for $20 per side....

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/DOR6/614632.oap?year=1992&make=Dodge&model=Stealth&vi=1098794&pt=03368&ppt=C0362

Bob.

[RealMcCoy]

Most aftermarket boots are crap... Get O.E. (I've also had decent luck with Moog, but haven't tried them on a 3S)

Replacement axles are cheap for a reason. They're Chinese made crap...

If your stock axle is not damaged, You'll get a much better result by repairing it.

[OhioSpyderman]

Most aftermarket boots are crap... Get O.E. (I've also had decent luck with Moog, but haven't tried them on a 3S)

Replacement axles are cheap for a reason. They're Chinese made crap...

If your stock axle is not damaged, You'll get a much better result by repairing it.

I thoroughly understand what you are saying, but in the interest of saving time, I "think" I'm going to try those Oreilly split boots.

If they don't work, I'm only out $40.....BUT it will make it about a 30 - 45 minute job total.

If I choose this route, I will post up findings/opinions....

Bob.

[stealthee]

Most aftermarket boots are crap... Get O.E. (I've also had decent luck with Moog, but haven't tried them on a 3S)

Replacement axles are cheap for a reason. They're Chinese made crap...

If your stock axle is not damaged, You'll get a much better result by repairing it.

I have replaced probably 30 axles over the years with parts store axles and have never once had an issue with them. Sure the boots aren't as good as OEM but they work, and work well enough to have a drivable car.

Hell there was a parts store replacement driverside axle on my car when I got it 8 years and 85k miles ago and I just had to replace it due to a torn boot 2 months back. I think that qualifies as working well. ;)

[green-lantern]

OReilly's has them for $20 per side....

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/DOR6/614632.oap?year=1992&make=Dodge&model=Stealth&vi=1098794&pt=03368&ppt=C0362

Bob.

Hell give it a try. I'd still replace the boot with a stock one if you wind up pulling the axle.

[mcshooter]

i have used a split boot on a minivan but on a 3s it would probably be ok for a temp fix, also i use a 1-1/4 inch 6 point socket on the aixle nut in place of the metric. the english socket is .008 smaller and fits better. if you replace the boot be careful not to lose a needle bearing, use a lot of grease on them.

[RealMcCoy]

I have replaced probably 30 axles over the years with parts store axles and have never once had an issue with them. Sure the boots aren't as good as OEM but they work, and work well enough to have a drivable car.

Hell there was a parts store replacement driverside axle on my car when I got it 8 years and 85k miles ago and I just had to replace it due to a torn boot 2 months back. I think that qualifies as working well. ;)

"over the years" is irrelevant... Even five years ago you had options. Now your options are Chinese crap, some more Chinese crap, and a little more Chinese crap. On many older cars there is no OE option, and the aftermarket consists of Chinese crap. We replace probably ten axles a month, and get to replace them for free when they come back with vibrations, noises or failed boots. Yes, "most" don't fail, but way too many do... Enough to form my opinion of the overall quality, and I certainly wouldn't want to test Chinese metallurgy with any real horsepower...

It's not just axles either, it's all forms of poorly designed, poor fitting, poor quality parts... Don't even get me started on radiators.

[Hans@GZP]

We use the axles from Advance Auto Parts with no problems. They are $60 each with no core. They usually aren't painted, so they will develop surface rust. That's easily fixed with some degreaser and spray paint.

Then you can keep your cores and rebuild them at your leisure. I know those zipper boots are crap and will just spit the grease through the zipper... if the zipper holds together long enough to retain the grease.