Axel/CV Boot

I have a 97 3.2 v6. The axel never knocks. Drives like a champ.

While recieving an oil change at "Shop A" I was told that my axel was bad and needed to be fixed before it could pass inspection. The quote was for $175. I passed on it

A week later "Shop B" does the inspection. I asked about the axel and they said it passed inspection b/c it wasnt knocking but the boot was bad and needed to be replaced. THe shop has to send it to a specialist to "repair it to a state better than a new". The quote was for $275. I passed on it

Today while me and the suv were enjoying the long-awaited snow (4wd) I heard the knock as I made a tight turn. In reading the other posts I know this is indicative of the busted boot while the 4wd is engaged. I assume "Shop A" was going to reboot it and "Shop B" was going to do it the right way.

QUESTIONS: Is the CV Boot that that difficult in this car that it cost $300 to do it the right way?

Would it hurt to "D-I-Y" a quick boot ($19) and play it by ear if needed (Splurge the $275)?

They are a little more work than you average CV axle swap. Find out more details on what the cheaper shop was going to do. If they offered to replace the axle for $175 then take them up on it. I tend to want to replace axles that have torn boots. I would do the whole axle and skip re-booting it.