Cv Boot Front Axle

[BERG37]

So I started driving and I notice a "clanging" sound coming from my left front side of my truck. This increased with speed until I was going fast enough not to hear it. (25mph+) Also decreased with speed to a complete stop, and stop the noise. I was able to look under my vehicle and notice that the rubber casing protecting the axel to the wheel well on the left axel was totally blown out. I am assuming this the CV boot. Axel is exposed and grease is dripping out. With a little bit of research I'm assuming that the clanging noise can be due to sand and grit getting into the wheel well. I am wondering how much approximately this will cost to fix, and if it is possible to do myslef with simply tools and a jack? I have 4wd all the time. Thanks for your help!

[dksob81]

well yoru right about it being the CV Joint, I am not possitive on the cost of repair, but I know someone on here knows.

[gtmud]

You can do this repair yourself. You will need a torque wrench that goes at least to 200 ft. lbs. The torque on the axle nut is 175 ftlbs. A 1/2" drive breaker bar. pipe, 13mm: 1/2" 12 point socket w/ ratchet and a 36mm socket to remove the axle nut. This is a very simple repair, advance auto has the CV axle assembly, just make sure that they are both the same length before you install the new shaft. Also look at the other axle too, if the boot is showing signs that it too is about to break, you can get the boot itself with the grease, save you $$$. Good luck. Takes about 2 hours.

[Cam7]

If you have a bad boot chances are youhave a bad Cv Joint. You can install a new boot but if it has been exposed for any length of time it is probally damaged.

[croozer]

These guys are right, Don`t just change the boot, Replace the CV/ axel. It is most likely worn. A remanufactured unit would be from $60-$90 over the counter depending on where you get it. It`s not that dificult of a job. Just have the right tools and some patients.

[BERG37]

I will not be able to do this myself. So my question is my Grand Cherokee is at 120,100 miles, the CV boot and joint must be replaced. I also need to replace a rotten tailpipe due to an exhaust rattle. Will it be safe to drive through the winter or should I have this fixed immediately. I'd rather not lose control of the left front wheel. If I fix this the engine block and tranny are good how much more life will I get out of this truck, or should I trade it in the spring.

[croozer]

You might as well go have all fixed just for piece of mind alone. If you like the vehicle, 12000 miles isnt alot, keep it.

[Traktor]

You can probably let it go for a while if it's not too bad. I let mine go for quite a while and even did alot of serious 4-wheeling with it. They made lots of noise but never broke. You won't likely lose control if it breaks - but your jeep will not be driveable if you have a full-time transfer case. If you try to drive it once it breaks, you will likely damage the transfer case. Either way, I recommend that instead of replacing it with another CV joint axle - that you replace it with a U-joint axle. The U-jointed axles are much stronger and are a direct replacement. You may notice some light steering wheel 'wobble' when turning, but the U-joint axles are worth it as they are far superior to CV joints in terms of strength. Call an off-road Jeep place for infomation on the replacements - I believe they are available in a heavy duty version for off-roading, but you'll want to confirm that the one you get has a U-joint that's suited for full-time use. My 98' JGC is a selec-trac model and came with U-jointed from axles. My 93 was a quadra-trac and had the CV joints - both of which tore open and started grinding. Hope this helps.