CV Boot Ripped - What Now?

[McDermut]

One phrase that seems to be my vehicle's motto is "If it's not one thing, it's something else" haha.

I was doing an oil and filter change and while under the car I noticed the spattered grease along the inside of the wheel well, and then more accumulated on the metal parts under the CV axle. Hopefully the pictures show it decently, but the front left CV boot has ripped right at the interior clamp. This developed within the past few days so I hope the axle hasn't been contaminated severely.

I'd like to replace it sooner than later but am away from the means to do it myself currently. How much should I expect to pay to have the boot replaced? Should I go ahead and replace the right side boot as well?

IF I were to wait and try and do it myself, how simple is it for someone to do so? I'm already looking at ordering the Dorman brand replacement boots, unless there are better options.

Comments are always welcome!

 

[Tonyrodz]

If it was me I'd just replace it myself. Forget Dorman, they suck. I'd think a reman from anywhere would be maybe $60-$75. Not terribly hard to install. Just make sure you use jack stands.

 

[exp500]

Detroit Axle, Maybe not the best, but the price is right with a real warranty. Used a few and no failures yet.

 

[Bill 1960]

It’s a tedious job IMO doing the boot only. Maybe because I’m the sort that has to disassemble it and wash out every speck of old, potentially contaminated grease.

I’m not a fan of Dorman anything, If I were putting in the time I’d use the best part available. Sorry, I haven’t done one in a while so I don’t have a brand recommendation.

Most people today just take the faster way and replace the whole shaft, including me recently. I split a boot and just replaced the shafts on both sides. I used OEM.

 

[Big Mama]

I may have missed it but I didn’t see how many miles are on your rig. I have a similar issue and plan to replace the shafts on both sides.

 

[Fless]

What am I missing; doesn't the CV axle have to be removed to change the boots? Why not just a new CV axle?

 

[OR VietVet]

Yes, it is not cost effective. Just do the whole axle shaft with a quality axle.

Calls for the same axle on the left or right:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3452367&cc=1355510&jsn=2427

 

[George B]

Yes, it is not cost effective. Just do the whole axle shaft with a quality axle.

Calls for the same axle on the left or right:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3452367&cc=1355510&jsn=2427

I installed one if these about a year ago. So far so good.

 

[McDermut]

I may have missed it but I didn’t see how many miles are on your rig. I have a similar issue and plan to replace the shafts on both sides.

It's just shy of 138,000 and as far as I know both CV axles are original to the vehicle.

 

[McDermut]

What am I missing; doesn't the CV axle have to be removed to change the boots? Why not just a new CV axle?

It does, and after reading through the comments and doing some research I'll just pay to replace the CV axle. Since I'm away from home and the necessary tools the cost of labor to just replace the boot instead of the entire thing definitely isn't cost-effective.

 

[McDermut]

Yes, it is not cost effective. Just do the whole axle shaft with a quality axle.

Calls for the same axle on the left or right:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3452367&cc=1355510&jsn=2427

I installed one if these about a year ago. So far so good.

Thank you very much! I'll be ordering one in short time.

 

[McDermut]

Detroit Axle, Maybe not the best, but the price is right with a real warranty. Used a few and no failures yet.

I checked them out, currently out of stock of the one I need unfortunately.

Besides Rock Auto, any other places with reliable remanned or new axles?

 

[OR VietVet]

Numerous axle choices at RA. Pick one and check reviews.

 

[Big Mama]

And do both sides please.

 

[David Kriss]

And do both sides please.

I agree. If one has ripped, the other isn't far behind. I also agree with replacing the whole axel. If it's been slinging grease then the CV hasn't been lubricated properly. You also don't know how badly the CV has been contaminated. You'll pay more but it will take less time and you'll know the CVs are in good shape.

 

[McDermut]

Yes, it is not cost effective. Just do the whole axle shaft with a quality axle.

Calls for the same axle on the left or right:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3452367&cc=1355510&jsn=2427

I installed one if these about a year ago. So far so good.

Quick question, are there different axle shaft lengths that I should check before ordering? I checked the axle that's currently on my vehicle and from each metal band securing the interior side of each boot to the other the metal shaft is about 4 inches as best as I could measure. Just eyeballing the 661009 on RA axle the shaft looks to be an inch or two longer than mine. Is this an issue or am I just overthinking it?

 

[Tonyrodz]

Quick question, are there different axle shaft lengths that I should check before ordering? I checked the axle that's currently on my vehicle and from each metal band securing the interior side of each boot to the other the metal shaft is about 4 inches as best as I could measure. Just eyeballing the 661009 on RA axle the shaft looks to be an inch or two longer than mine. Is this an issue or am I just overthinking it?

View attachment 276867

Imo you're overthinking. If it was me--give them vehicle info, along with what side you need--making sure it's a reputable brand--order it, done! Def don't buy any chinese knockoff.

 

[swathdiver]

GM # 26069244 and includes the new spindle nut and washer, don't re-use the old ones and make sure they torque it down to the proper spec as not doing so will trash the hub.