1993 Maxima GL Axle Boot

[gyaffe]

I posted this on the non-specific board before I noticed this Maxima board. Hope this re-post isn't causing any trouble.
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I'm confused about the relationships between CV joints, axle mechanisms and axle boots-- and what to do when an axle boot goes bad. Hopefully, someone here can help me.

This is my situation. My Nissan dealer says I need a new axle boot on the front driver side for $240. I called two other places for comparisons, and was given prices of $210 - $280, but both told me their price was for replacing the boot and the axle mechanism. They do not replace the boot alone. Before I go back to the dealer to clarify what's contained in his estimate, I would like to understand:

- What is the "axle mechanism" likely to include ? That is, would it include the CV joint ? The axle itself ?
- If I'm not noticing any symptoms, would I want to pay for replacing the "axle mechanism" and not just the boot--- assuming I could get someone to do the boot alone at a price well below $240 ?
- Is a bad boot likely to be as a result of age or road accident ? (I'm concerned if age the the others could go soon, costs could mount and it might be better to trade. I've had other costly problems this year.)
- Do the quotes I received seem in-line or out-of line ?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[johnb_009]

Basically the axle boot keeps the cv joints greesed up. If the axle boot rips it should be replaced as quickly as possible to limit the amount of dirt or gunk entering your CV joint. The axle boot should cost anywhere from $70 to $100.00, but that's in NYC.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by gyaffe

- My Nissan dealer says
- Do the quotes I received seem in-line or out-of line ?

Nissan dealer thinks you'll keep up the car maybe next four years. This is good car maintenace, and price is ok.

Typically there either is already free play on the joint (not real bad if u do not know that) or just bad cracked rubber. You just have a sharp maintennace man, be happy with such man, not too many around, use him also later.

When the rubber goes, the joint goes in months and starts to be noisy. That will not harm, you can replace those then, if u anyway change the whole thing. It will not drop away, nor will it leave u on the highway. The noise will be so bad month before that you will not want to drive anymore, before this axle braks apart.

You may push it lot farther (ask the other place how long he thinks you can drive) if u want, no real hurry. Buy new car, then u know the REAL costs... or keep it as long as its faithful and keeps u on the road...

[gyaffe]

Originally Posted by Nahkapohjola

Nissan dealer thinks you'll keep up the car maybe next four years. This is good car maintenace, and price is ok.

Typically there either is already free play on the joint (not real bad if u do not know that) or just bad cracked rubber. You just have a sharp maintennace man, be happy with such man, not too many around, use him also later.

When the rubber goes, the joint goes in months and starts to be noisy. That will not harm, you can replace those then, if u anyway change the whole thing. It will not drop away, nor will it leave u on the highway. The noise will be so bad month before that you will not want to drive anymore, before this axle braks apart.

You may push it lot farther (ask the other place how long he thinks you can drive) if u want, no real hurry. Buy new car, then u know the REAL costs... or keep it as long as its faithful and keeps u on the road...

Thanks for the information. Very helpful. I was worried about breaking down so your comments there are reassuring.

[gyaffe]

Originally Posted by johnb_009

Basically the axle boot keeps the cv joints greesed up. If the axle boot rips it should be replaced as quickly as possible to limit the amount of dirt or gunk entering your CV joint. The axle boot should cost anywhere from $70 to $100.00, but that's in NYC.

Thanks very much.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by gyaffe

Thanks very much.

One not nice side effect of broken rubber boot is that the grease will fly out of it, and around its surroundings. Grease on exhaust stinks (if u gets spots there) but that possible little amount is no fire hazard.

[infinman]

For information only, the axle shaft is made up of three components.
1.inner c/v{constant velocity} joint and boot
2.outer c/v joint and boot
3.axle main shaft.
Boots must be inspected during routine maintenance.If they are starting to crack ,have them{boots} replaced.If they split and the grease escapes you most probably won't notice untill the dry joint starts to make a snapping sound which indicates damage to joint.At this point you must replace complete joint or axle.

[gyaffe]

Originally Posted by infinman

For information only, the axle shaft is made up of three components.
1.inner c/v{constant velocity} joint and boot
2.outer c/v joint and boot
3.axle main shaft.
Boots must be inspected during routine maintenance.If they are starting to crack ,have them{boots} replaced.If they split and the grease escapes you most probably won't notice untill the dry joint starts to make a snapping sound which indicates damage to joint.At this point you must replace complete joint or axle.

Thank you. I've learned that while it's still worthwhile to get to it before there is damage to the joint, the urgency is not that great from a cost point of view. Only one of three places I talked to would replace the boot alone. The one that would (the Nissan dealer) is charging 80% as much to replace the boot as to replace the whole assembly.

[johnb_009]

Why won't you try getting the part and telling a regular mechanic to put it on. Your paying for the services, right. Try this link: http://www.internetautomart.com

[gyaffe]

Originally Posted by johnb_009

Why won't you try getting the part and telling a regular mechanic to put it on. Your paying for the services, right. Try this link: http://www.internetautomart.com

I'd have to find the mechanic who'd do it at a significantly lower price and whom I'd trust. Thanks for the suggestion, but I decided on the dealer. It's done.